Samsung began rolling out the One UI 9 beta this week exclusively for Galaxy S26 devices, based on Android 17 [1, 2]. The beta is available in select markets, including the US, UK, Germany, India, Poland, and Korea [2].
One UI 9 introduces expanded creative tools to Samsung Notes, adding more pen styles and decorative tapes for enhanced note-taking [1, 2]. The Contacts app now integrates Creative Studio AI, enabling users to create personalized profile cards within the app [1, 2].
The Quick Panel has been redesigned for greater control, featuring independently adjustable brightness, sound, and media player controls. Users can also customize widget sizes more freely [1, 2].
Accessibility improvements include adjustable mouse key speed and a new Text Spotlight zoom and clarification feature for selected text. Samsung's TalkBack accessibility tool is now integrated with Google's text-to-speech capabilities [1, 2].
Security enhancements in the beta include a new feature that detects, warns about, and blocks the installation of high-risk or malicious apps [1, 2].
Samsung plans to add AI-powered Gemini Intelligence features such as task help, form filling, improved dictation, and custom widgets in One UI 9 or later versions [1].
The beta program supports only the Galaxy S26 series at this time [1, 2]. Samsung is rumored to debut the full One UI 9 stable release on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 foldable phones in July, with a potential wider rollout to more devices in September [1, 2].
