Samsung releases the first One UI 9 beta based on Android 17
Samsung’s One UI 9 Beta Is Officially Here: Galaxy S26 Users, Get Ready
If you’ve been itching to see what the future of the Galaxy experience looks like, the wait is finally over. Following some buzz-worthy announcements, Samsung has officially kicked off the One UI 9 beta program. While it’s currently rolling out in stages, early adopters in Germany and the UK are already getting their first taste of the new Android 17-based software.
Which Devices are Eligible?
Right now, the beta is live for the entire flagship trio:
- Galaxy S26 5G
- Galaxy S26+ 5G
- Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G
The update arrives as version S94xBXXU2ZZEF. Be warned, though: this is a beefy download. Coming in at roughly 3.6GB, you’ll definitely want to be on a stable Wi-Fi connection before you hit that update button.
What’s New in One UI 9?
Samsung isn’t just tweaking the edges here; there are some genuine quality-of-life improvements included in this build. Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:
- A More Flexible Quick Panel: Customization is the name of the game, allowing you to layout your toggles exactly how you want them.
- Samsung Notes Upgrades: New features designed to make mobile note-taking and organization feel more fluid.
- Custom Profile Cards: Now integrated into Samsung Contacts, giving your caller ID a more personal, modern look.
- Proactive Security: The system now includes automatic flagging for high-risk applications, adding an extra layer of protection.
- May 2026 Security Patch: Ensuring your device stays protected against the latest vulnerabilities.
How to Join the Beta
If you’re in a supported region and want to dive in, the process is simple. Open the Samsung Members app, look for the One UI 9 beta banner on the home screen, and register your device. Once your enrollment is processed, the update should appear in your system settings like any other OTA update.
Global Rollout Timeline
Don’t worry if you aren’t in the UK or Germany just yet. Samsung is moving quickly. The beta is expected to land in the US and South Korea very soon. For those in India and Poland, the rollout is officially scheduled to begin on May 26.