One UI 9 leak reveals great new features. Which one will you appreciate the most?

While Samsung is still busy with the One UI 8.5 beta, it is already internally working on the next major update. The editorial team of SamMobile obtained a newer test build of One UI 9 and tested it on the Galaxy S26. Unlike the first builds from last month, which were still based on Android 16, this one is already running on Android 17 and finally shows concrete new features with which Samsung wants to expand its overlay.

Tap to Share: file sharing by tapping phones together

One of the most interesting new features that appeared directly in the Quick Share menu is the Tap to Share function. This will allow users to transfer photos, videos, and other files simply by tapping their phone against another device. On Galaxy S26 series phones, which have NFC antennas on both the back and the top edge, it’s even enough to tap the second device to the top edge of the phone for transfer. We previously described the feature in a separate article.

Bixby widgets and new service menu

Bixby assistant widgets appeared in the leaked build in sizes 2×1, 2×2, and 4×1 (or 4×2 in a larger version). Smaller versions offer only microphone and keyboard icons for quick interaction launch, while the largest widget contains a full text field. This is clearly an early version, and it is uncertain whether it will make it to the final release in this form.

A new Warranty and Care section is also coming to settings, which will serve as a central overview for service and support. Users will find warranty information, diagnostic options, remote assistance, and even Bixby integration, which can help solve problems with voice commands.

Practical new features for improved accessibility

Praiseworthy new features include accessibility enhancements. The Select to Speak function allows you to tap any item on the screen and have it read aloud, while Text Spotlight magnifies text for better readability. Crucially, these functions were previously only available after installing the Android Accessibility Suite app from Google Play – now they are set to become a standard part of the system.

One UI 9 leak reveals great new features. Which one will you appreciate the most? Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

Minor improvements have also been made to the quick panel, where the volume and brightness sliders are even larger than in the first One UI 9 builds. Samsung is simply still experimenting and fine-tuning details.

Summer Premiere

One UI 9 is still in active development, and some features, especially new Galaxy AI capabilities, will apparently be revealed later in the development cycle. The official premiere can be expected together with the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8, which Samsung will likely unveil in July. For users of older models, updates will then arrive gradually, as we are used to with Samsung.

Which of the new features in One UI 9 caught your attention the most?

Sources: SamMobile, Android Authority, Android Police