Samsung Begins Internal Development of One UI 9 Based on Android 17
Samsung has quietly begun internal development of One UI 9, its next major software upgrade based on Android 17, according to early firmware indicators and backend references spotted by trackers.
Test strings, framework-level changes and internal build markers suggest the company is already laying the groundwork for the update. While Samsung has not made any official announcement, the early signals indicate that development is progressing on schedule.
Expected launch timeline
Samsung typically follows a predictable rollout cycle for major One UI releases, and One UI 9 appears to be no exception. If the company sticks to its usual timeline, the update is expected to debut around mid-2026, likely alongside its next-generation foldables — the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Following the initial launch, Samsung is expected to roll out:
- Early beta builds for the Galaxy S26 series
- Stable updates for older flagship models
- A phased rollout to mid-range devices
As with previous Android upgrades, Samsung is expected to prioritise a controlled and region-wise release rather than an early global rollout.
What’s new in One UI 9
One UI 9 is shaping up to be a refinement-focused update rather than a dramatic redesign. Samsung already introduced major visual changes with One UI 8.5, and the next version appears to build on that foundation.
Early builds point to:
- Thicker, more tactile sliders
- Cleaner spacing across system menus
- Improved one-handed usability
- Smoother animations, particularly in media controls and waveform transitions
These changes are subtle but designed to improve day-to-day usability. As development continues, more features and refinements are expected to surface.
Eligible devices (tentative)
Samsung has not yet released an official list of eligible devices for One UI 9. However, based on current update policies, devices that received One UI 8 are likely candidates.
Galaxy S series
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE
- Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra
Galaxy A series
- Galaxy A15 5G
- Galaxy A16 5G
- Galaxy A25 5G
- Galaxy A26 5G
- Galaxy A35 5G
- Galaxy A36 5G
- Galaxy A56 5G
Galaxy Z series
- Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Fold 6, Z Fold 7
- Galaxy Z Flip 5, Z Flip 6, Z Flip 7
Galaxy tablets
- Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, S9 FE
- Galaxy Tab S10+, S10 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S11, S11 Ultra
Samsung’s premium tablets typically follow a similar update schedule to its flagship smartphones, with longer software support cycles.
Disclaimer
Samsung has not officially confirmed One UI 9 or published a device eligibility list as of March 2026. Final eligibility will depend on each device’s promised OS support, regional variations, carrier approvals and Samsung’s final rollout plans. Some advanced features, particularly Galaxy AI tools, may be limited to newer hardware.
Users are advised to wait for official confirmation via Samsung’s website, newsroom or the Samsung Members app before making purchase or upgrade decisions.

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