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Samsung’s One UI is not just a visual layer on Android. It is the core software that links Galaxy phones, tablets, foldables and wearables. It manages the Quick Panel, lock screen, productivity tools, accessibility features, Galaxy AI and security throughout the ecosystem.
One UI 9 is now available. It is based on Android 17 and became stable on 22 July 2026, launching pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8. The beta period is over. The software has shipped, the rollout to existing devices has started, and the Galaxy S26 series will receive it next.
Here’s what actually changed, what shipped, and when your phone is likely to get it.
This article was updated on 21 August 2026. Samsung’s rollout schedule shifts and varies by region and carrier, so treat any future dates as expected rather than confirmed.
One UI 9 at a Glance
- Base: Android 17
- Announced / stable: 22 July 2026, at Galaxy Unpacked in London
- Launch devices: Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8 (shipped with it pre-installed)
- Beta ran on: Galaxy S26 series, since 13 May 2026
- Rollout to existing devices: began around 7 August 2026, starting with the foldables
- Focus: deeper Galaxy AI integration, refreshed navigation, stronger privacy and security, more customisation
This release is not a major visual redesign. Like the move from One UI 8 to 8.5, it is a refinement. The main changes are in AI and privacy, not appearance. If you used One UI 8.5, the interface will look familiar. The differences are in how the system works behind the scenes.
For the wider software picture, see our One UI complete guide and our rolling latest One UI update tracker.
One UI 9 Release Timeline
| One UI 9 beta opens (Galaxy S26) | 13 May 2026 |
| Beta builds 1–3 | May–June 2026 |
| One UI 9 stable announced | 22 July 2026 |
| Ships pre-installed on Z Fold 8 / Flip 8 | 22 July 2026 |
| Public rollout begins (foldables first) | ~7 August 2026 |
| Galaxy S26 series stable | Expected late Aug / early Sept 2026 |
| Older flagships, mid-range, tablets | Phased, Aug–Dec 2026 |
The rollout follows the usual pattern. Samsung updates the newest devices first, then current flagships, and then older models over the next few months.
What Actually Shipped in One UI 9
Samsung has not released a full changelog, but the main new features are clear from the Unpacked event and the stable release. The most important changes are in AI transparency, privacy, and Now Brief.
Galaxy AI, with a transparency layer
The standout new feature is the AI Assistant Activity dashboard — a single place that logs every action Galaxy AI has taken on your behalf, across the dozen-plus apps and surfaces it touches. Summarised a notification, auto-replied, reframed a photo, filled a form field? It’s recorded here, with a direct link to the setting that controls each capability, so turning something off no longer means hunting through menus. It’s Samsung’s answer to a real problem: as AI does more automatically, users had no unified way to see what it had done.
Other AI additions that shipped:
- Now Brief (enhanced) — the daily briefing is now customizable, with cards you build around your own interests and quick-action buttons that jump into music, directions or a calendar entry. It also surfaces security and privacy insights.
- Now Nudge (expanded) — turns AI insights into contextual suggestions; when plans take shape in a conversation, it prompts relevant next steps and, on foldables, opens the suggested app in split view.
- Voice Photo Assist — describe an edit out loud and Photo Assist applies it, with a before/after side-by-side.
- My FanCam — auto-reframes a tracked subject in a video to any aspect ratio, inside Gallery.
Samsung processes these personalised experiences on-device through its Personal Data Engine, and is also extending the release with One UI 9 Watch for the latest Galaxy Watch lineup.
Stronger, more proactive privacy and security
Privacy is a major theme this generation, and it’s where One UI 9 goes beyond cosmetics:
- Enhanced Privacy Alerts use on-device intelligence to flag apps that overuse your precise location or reach for background permissions they don’t need — with tips to lock things down.
- Malicious website protection — Samsung Internet now uses a machine-learning model to warn you before a dangerous link loads.
- Continued Samsung Knox protection from the hardware level up, plus suspicious-app protections that can warn against, block or recommend removing high-risk applications.
For the deeper how-to, see our best privacy settings and security updates explained guides.
A more customizable Quick Panel
The Quick Panel now has separate, resizable sliders for brightness and volume, a resizable media player, and more layout options. These are small changes but make a noticeable difference in daily use. Our customisation settings guide explains how to set it up.
Refreshed navigation and a Warranty & Care hub
One UI 9 updates menus, buttons, and system bars for faster and easier navigation, especially during multitasking. The new Warranty and Care hub brings together device support, warranty status, Bixby help, repair booking with cost estimates, diagnostics, and Samsung Care+ management in one place.
Smart Switch and cross-platform sharing
Migration is improved. Smart Switch now transfers passwords, passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, and eSIM data, including transfers from iPhone. Quick Share now works both ways with AirDrop, so you can send files between Galaxy and Apple devices on supported models.
Creativity and notes
The creative tools from the beta are included. Samsung Notes now has decorative tapes and new pen-line styles. Creative Studio is now available inside Contacts, so you can make personalised profile cards without switching apps.
Foldable-specific extras
The Fold 8 and Flip 8 have features that depend on their hardware and are not available on all phones. These include Cine LUT cinematic colour grading on the Fold 8 Ultra, an AI-powered FlexWindow on the Flip 8, two- and three-way split-screen, Samsung DeX improvements, Game Booster controls, and Seamless Updates, which install OS updates in the background without rebooting.
For a curated rundown of what’s worth turning on, see our best One UI features guide.
Accessibility Improvements
One UI 9 adds more accessibility features to make devices easier to use for more people.
- Adjustable Mouse Keys speed for users who rely on keyboard-based cursor control.
- Unified TalkBack — Google’s and Samsung’s previously separate TalkBack features are combined into one experience.
- Text Spotlight — displays selected text larger and clearer in a floating window.
More detail in our accessibility settings guide.
Which Galaxy Phones Get One UI 9?
Samsung hadn’t published a final eligibility list as of August 2026, but based on the rollout so far and its seven-year update policy, the picture is clear.
Shipped with it (stable, out of the box): Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8
First wave of updates (expected late Aug / early Sept 2026): Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra
Following waves (Aug–Dec 2026): Galaxy S25 series, S24 series, S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7 / Flip 7, and eligible Galaxy A, M, F and Tab models
Not expected to receive it (per current reporting): Galaxy S22 series, S21 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 4 and older.
Note that not every feature reaches every device — AI, camera, and display features can carry hardware requirements, and several foldable extras are exclusive to the Fold 8 / Flip 8. For upgrade timing on a specific model, our latest One UI update tracker is up to date.
One UI 8 vs One UI 9
| Android base | Android 16 | Android 17 |
| Galaxy AI | Expanded, app-level | Further integrated, with activity dashboard |
| AI transparency | — | AI Assistant Activity dashboard |
| Now Brief | AI daily insights | Customizable cards + quick actions + privacy insights |
| Quick Panel | Customizable | Independent resizable sliders, resizable media player |
| Privacy | Knox + Advanced Protection | On-device Privacy Alerts, malicious-site protection |
| Migration | Smart Switch | Smart Switch + passwords/passkeys/eSIM, two-way AirDrop |
| Samsung Notes | AI & productivity tools | New creative tapes and pen styles |
| Device support | Support hub | New Warranty & Care hub |
| Status | Previous generation | Stable / rolling out |
The main difference is not in the visuals. Samsung is moving Galaxy devices toward software that understands context, acts for you, and shows you what it is doing, while also improving privacy controls.
Is One UI 9 a Major Update?
Yes, but not mainly because of visual changes. The updated navigation and Quick Panel are useful. The main improvements are structural: AI is now part of daily interactions instead of being a separate app, there is a transparency layer to review AI actions, and privacy protection is more proactive. Samsung has been moving in this direction for several generations, and One UI 9 shows this most clearly.
Some reports suggest that bigger changes may come with One UI 9.5, which is expected with the Galaxy S27 in early 2027. One UI 9.0 is a significant update focused on AI, not a complete redesign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is One UI 9?
Samsung’s Galaxy software interface, built on Android 17. It adds deeper Galaxy AI integration, an AI activity dashboard, stronger privacy protection, refreshed navigation and more customisation.
When did One UI 9 release?
The stable version launched on 22 July 2026 and is pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8. Public rollout to existing devices began in early August 2026.
Is One UI 9 out for the Galaxy S26?
Not stable yet as of August 2026. The S26 series has run the One UI 9 beta since May, and the stable update is expected in late August or early September 2026.
What Android version is One UI 9 based on?
Android 17.
What are the main new features?
The AI Assistant Activity dashboard, enhanced Now Brief with customizable cards, on-device Privacy Alerts, malicious-website protection, a customizable Quick Panel, a Warranty & Care hub, and an upgraded Smart Switch that transfers passwords, passkeys and eSIM data.
Will my older Galaxy phone get One UI 9?
Likely, if it’s a recent flagship or eligible mid-ranger, the S25, S24, S23 series and Z Fold/Flip 7 are expected in phased waves through late 2026. The S22 series, S21 FE and older models are not expected to qualify.
Is One UI 9 a big update?
It’s a significant refinement focused on AI and privacy rather than a visual redesign. Larger changes may arrive with One UI 9.5 on the Galaxy S27.
The Bottom Line
One UI 9 is the next step for Samsung, not a complete change. Built on Android 17, it gives more control over the interface, stronger privacy, improved device migration, and deeper Galaxy AI integration. The new dashboard lets you see what the AI is doing.
It is now shipping, starting with the Fold 8 and Flip 8, and the Galaxy S26 series will follow. As the rollout continues through 2026, One UI is becoming a key part of the Galaxy experience.
SamScopes tracks every One UI release and feature — start with our One UI complete guide, the best One UI features rundown, our Good Lock guide for power users, or the latest One UI update tracker to see when your device is up to date.
