In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Samsung’s One UI 9 based on Android 17 has been spotted in early development, with the first build installed on Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- Current changes include larger volume and brightness controls plus a dedicated parental controls section, while future updates may bring app windows and lock screen widgets.
- The One UI 9 beta is expected to launch around July for Galaxy S26 phones as Samsung continues active development.
The Galaxy S26 range just launched with One UI 8.5 pre-installed, but Samsung’s One UI 9 is here already – in a way.
The very first build of One UI 9 has been spotted and installed by SamMobile, with the 2.6GB software available for the S26 Ultra. It confirms that Samsung is working on its Android 17 skin along the same timeline as One UI 8.5.
As this is such an early build, there’s not too much to glean, and of course, it may change over the course of development. So far, the volume and brightness controls within quick settings are bigger and parental controls now has its own section in the settings menu.
Other Android 17 elements could arrive too, such as app windows, lock screen widgets and better adaptability for apps across different screen sizes. It’s also set to introduce iOS-style split panels for notifications and quick settings.
Although Samsung is expected to launch Android 17 for Galaxy phones in a few months, it will likely be based on One UI 8.5 still. This should happen in July when the firm unveils its next generation of foldables – primarily the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8.
One UI 9 could launch around the same time, or possibly before, but only as a beta program for the Galaxy 26 phones. We’ll keep an eye on the progress of One UI 9 over the coming weeks and months.
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Author: Chris Martin, Managing Editor, Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor Managing Editor Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been with us for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.