Samsung rolls out One UI 9 beta on Galaxy S26 series with AI, customization and security upgrades
Samsung has announced the launch of its One UI 9 beta program, initially rolling out to the Galaxy S26 series starting this week.
This version is built with Android 17 and comes with a range of refinements across creativity, personalization, accessibility, and security, while also laying the groundwork for more advanced AI-driven features expected to debut with upcoming Galaxy flagship devices later this year.
For core apps, Samsung Notes gains new creative options such as decorative tapes and expanded pen styles, while the Contacts app now integrates direct access to Creative Studio, enabling users to generate personalized profile cards without switching applications. At the system level, the redesigned Quick Panel allows independent adjustment of brightness, sound, and media controls, alongside more flexible layout sizing to better match user preferences.
Accessibility gets some attention too, as Mouse Key speed is not adjustable for smoother cursor navigation and a unified TalkBack package that consolidates features previously split between Samsung and Google implementations. A new Text Spotlight function has also been introduced, presenting selected text in an enlarged floating window to improve readability.
On the other hand, more proactive protections are integrated for security, as the system may now detect suspicious apps, issue warnings, block installation or execution, and recommend removal based on updated security policies, reflecting a shift toward preventative mobile security measures.
The One UI 9 beta program is initially available to Galaxy S26 series users in select markets, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with enrollment accessible via the Samsung Members app.
