Galaxy S26 Series: Samsung opens beta program for One UI 9
Samsung has launched the beta for One UI 9 based on Android 17 for the Galaxy S26 series. The update brings new creative and security features.
One UI 9 can be tried on the Galaxy S26 series.
(Image: Samsung)
After the beta is before the beta: Samsung has just completed the update to One UI 8.5 and released it for initial Galaxy devices, and now it's moving on: The manufacturer has opened the beta program for the major update to One UI 9 today – first for the current top models of the Galaxy S26 series.
According to Samsung, the update to One UI 9 based on Android 17 includes expanded creative tools, new customization options, “a more user-friendly mobile experience,” and better protection against potential security threats.
The first beta does not yet contain all new functions: “The full experience of One UI 9 will be introduced with upcoming Galaxy flagship devices later this year, which will include advanced AI features that will make mobile interaction easy and effortless,” Samsung writes.
Creative tools and more
As Samsung writes in its announcement of the beta program, the Samsung Notes app is receiving new creative tools, including decorative borders and a wider selection of pen thicknesses. The Contacts app will also be expanded; with the update, it will gain direct access to Creative Studio, allowing personalized profile cards to be created without switching between apps.
Likewise, the Quick Panel gets a new look and is intended to offer users more control over the layout. Furthermore, brightness, sound, and the media player can be set independently of each other. In addition, the buttons can be displayed in different sizes to accommodate individual preferences.
Videos by heise
Moreover, Samsung has expanded the accessibility options: the mouse key speed can now be set, allowing for smoother cursor control. In addition, a combined TalkBack package is being introduced, which is intended to merge functions previously offered separately by Google and Samsung. Samsung is also introducing a text spotlight function that displays selected text larger or more clearly in a floating window. This is intended to make reading easier.
More security
With One UI 9, Samsung also brings improved protection against suspicious apps and potential threats. For example, if new high-risk apps are detected, it warns users, blocks their execution and installation, and recommends deletion through security policy updates, the company explains.
Samsung is opening the One UI 9 beta program starting this week for owners of the Galaxy S26 series in selected markets, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the USA. Users of Galaxy S26 devices can apply to participate in the beta program via the Samsung Members app.
The first Galaxy devices with One UI 9 out of the box are likely to be the foldables expected in July. Samsung proceeded similarly last year.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(afl)
