Samsung is testing One UI 9. Android 17 under the hood
Early version on servers
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series recently debuted. Along with it, One UI 8.5 software, based on Android 16, was released on the market. The Korean manufacturer is preparing to release this update for older smartphones, but at the same time it is already preparing another major update. The first internal build of One UI 9 has been spotted on Samsung servers.
The new software is based on the upcoming Android 17. The installation file for the global Galaxy S26 Ultra model is approximately 2.6 GB in size. The test version has a code ending in BZC5.
Whistleblower Tarun Vats was the first to find traces of these files. SamMobile editors then downloaded the software. Thanks to them, the first screenshots appeared online.
Screen
6.90″ Dynamic AMOLED
RAM
16GB
Processor
4.74GHz
Apparatus
200 Mpix
Battery
5000mAh
Built-in memory
1000 GB
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First new features in the interface
The early version of the system does not yet contain many visible new features, and the visual changes are small for now. The brightness and volume bars in the quick panel have become slightly wider.
The location of the parental control options has also changed. This function has a completely separate section in the main settings of the phone. Previously it was hidden in the Digital Balance menu.
One UI 9 on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (source; Max Jambor / SamMobile)
This information is confirmed by materials published by Max Jambor. However, installing such early files on your main device is not recommended. Software at this stage is usually buggy and unstable.
The basis of the new Android
One UI 9 is based on solutions from Android 17. Google recently released the second beta version of this software for developers.
The clean system introduces improvements to application window management. It offers support for lock screen widgets and better program scaling. Android 17 also adds new security features.
Users will receive protection of one-time SMS codes and an advanced account protection mode. The leaks also suggest a new product from Samsung. A dedicated artificial intelligence button is to be added to the default browser.
Manufacturer’s work schedule
The Korean manufacturer has slightly changed its software release schedule. The company is adapting more closely to Google’s release cycle. Public beta tests of One UI 9 may start at the turn of May and June. This will allow interested users to check out new products before their premiere.
The stable version will probably debut in the second half of 2026. The system will appear on the market with the foldable Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 smartphones. Only after the debut of these devices will the update hit older models, starting with the Galaxy S26 series.
