One UI 9 is here! Samsung officially released the first beta, this is what it brings

After several months of leaks and speculation, Samsung decided to act quickly. On Tuesday, the South Korean manufacturer announced that it was launching the beta program for One UI 9, and SamMobile confirmed on Wednesday that the first build has already reached users. The overlay is built on Android 17 and follows the recently released stable version of One UI 8.5. However, Czech users will have to wait, as the beta program is not open in our country.

First beta heads to only four countries

Although Samsung stated in an official announcement that the program would be available in Germany, India, South Korea, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the USA, in the first round, only users from four of these countries can download the beta. India and Poland will join later – specifically on May 26, when the second beta will also be released in other countries.

The first build, designated S94xBXXU2ZZEF, is over 3.6 GB in size and also includes May’s security patches. It is currently available for Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra models. To participate in testing, users only need to have a registered account in the given region via the Samsung Members app.

Quick Panel gets another layer of customization

One UI 8.5 brought a drastic visual change in the form of Ambient Design, so it’s logical that One UI 9 focuses more on minor adjustments and improvements. One of the bigger ones is further customization options for quick settings. Users can now independently adjust the size of the brightness slider, media player widget, and volume slider. Display mode and sound mode toggles can also be separated from their respective sliders, allowing you to comfortably arrange the final layout of the bar to your liking.

Game Booster, Samsung Notes, and new location request

Among other adjustments, the redesigned Game Booster is worth mentioning, as its panel now offers direct shortcuts to settings. Players can thus change screenshot resolution or game controller placement without having to leave an ongoing game.

The Samsung Notes app adds a feature called Tape, which allows users to cover parts of a note with decorative tape and reveal the hidden content again if needed. New pen styles for drawing and writing have also been added. The Contacts app, in turn, gains direct access to Creative Studio, allowing users to create personalized profile cards without switching between apps.

The request for precise location has also undergone changes. When an app requests this information, two options will now appear – Approximate and Precise – with a blue checkmark distinguishing the active choice. A minor detail, but ultimately it makes the entire dialog clearer.

Accessibility and Security

One UI 9 also doesn’t forget accessibility. Samsung has introduced adjustable Mouse Key speed for smoother cursor control and unified the TalkBack package – features that Google and Samsung previously offered separately are now together. Also new is Text Spotlight, which displays selected text in a larger and more readable floating window.

In the area of security, the overlay focuses on risky applications. If the system detects a suspicious application, it warns the user, blocks its installation or launch, and recommends its deletion. Samsung is expected to continuously update the list of potentially dangerous programs for this purpose.

Stable version to arrive with new foldables

Samsung will introduce the full, stable version of One UI 9 along with the next generation of foldable phones – specifically with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8 Wide models. The Unpacked event will again take place in the summer. For the Galaxy S26 series, the stable update should begin rolling out around September, with older models following afterward.

Would you try installing the One UI 9 beta if you could?

Sources: Samsung, SamMobile (1, 2)