Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series in February running One UI 8.5 on Android 16. Over the past few weeks the South Korean firm has begun delivering the stable One UI 8.5 update to numerous older Galaxy phones and tablets. A recent leak suggests Samsung has launched testing of its next major software version One UI 9 on prior Galaxy S models. The release based on Android 17 should reach eligible flagship devices in the months ahead.

Tipster Tarun Vats shared on X that Samsung has begun internal testing of One UI 9 for the Galaxy S25 series. The first internal test build has been identified though its exact build number has not yet been decoded.

One UI 9 beta expected on Galaxy S26 series

Vats notes the One UI 9 build appeared roughly two weeks earlier than Samsung's normal testing cycle. By comparison the first One UI 8 test build for the Galaxy S24 series surfaced on June 19 last year. This suggests Samsung may have already started work on One UI 9 based on Android 17 for its current flagship devices.

Samsung is expected to open the One UI 9 beta to more users once One UI 8.5 reaches wider availability. The Android 16 update has recently reached older foldables including the Galaxy Z Fold 5 Galaxy Z Flip 5 Galaxy Tab S11 series and select Galaxy A models in India and other markets.

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The company announced the One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 series last month. One UI 9 beta adds improvements to Samsung Notes with decorative tapes and pen line styles. The Contacts app now offers direct access to Creative Studio and includes an updated Quick Panel.

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One UI 9 introduces adjustable Mouse Key speed and a new TalkBack package. It also includes a Text Spotlight feature to display selected text larger or more clearly in a floating window. One UI 9 adds new security and protection features along with several AI based enhancements.