Samsung Launches One UI 9 Beta Program for Galaxy S26 Series Users
Samsung announced the launch of the One UI 9 beta program starting with the Galaxy S26 series. Based on the latest Android 17, the beta offers enhanced creative tools, customization, and stronger security, with advanced AI features coming in the full release later this year.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 14, 2026 at 14:32
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Samsung Electronics (Korea HQ, hereafter Samsung) announced on May 12, 2026, the launch of the One UI 9 beta program, starting with the 'Samsung Galaxy S26 series.' Based on the latest Android 17, the One UI 9 beta offers expanded creative tools, customization options, a more accessible mobile experience, and stronger protection against potential security risks.
The official version of One UI 9 is scheduled to be released on Samsung Galaxy flagship devices later this year, featuring advanced AI functions that make mobile operations easy and smooth.
■ New Features in One UI 9 Beta
The One UI 9 beta introduces several updates across key areas of the mobile experience.
Samsung Notes*1 gains new creative features like decoration tapes and a richer variety of pen stroke styles. The Contacts app now allows direct access to the Creative Studio*2 to create personalized profile cards without switching apps.
The updated Quick Panel*3 offers finer control over the layout. Brightness, volume, and the media player can each be adjusted individually, with more size options available to suit user preferences.
Accessibility is also significantly improved, with a mouse key speed adjustment function for smoother cursor operation. It also includes a TalkBack feature that integrates functions previously provided separately by Google and Samsung. Additionally, a new text spotlight feature has been added, which displays selected text in a floating view, larger and clearer, to improve readability.
One UI 9 also strengthens protection against suspicious apps and potential security threats. When a new high-risk app is detected, it warns the user, blocks the app's execution and installation, and recommends its removal through security policy updates*4.
■ Availability
The One UI 9 beta program will be available for 'Samsung Galaxy S26 series' users starting this week in select countries and regions, including Germany, India, South Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US. Users of the 'Samsung Galaxy S26 series' can apply to join the beta program through the Samsung Members app.
*1 Service availability may vary by country, region, OS/One UI version, device model, and carrier.
*2 Requires installation of the Creative Studio app. Creative Studio features require a network connection and Samsung account login. Availability may vary by country, region, language, and device model. Accuracy and reliability of generated output are not guaranteed.
*3 If this feature is turned off, some settings may be grayed out or not displayed.
*4 Samsung's security policy updates aim to improve device security through changes in service operation policies and may include updates to the list of potentially high-risk apps based on Samsung's internal evaluation.
● 'Samsung Galaxy' is a trademark or registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
● Google, Android, Gemini, and Circle to Search are trademarks of Google LLC.
● Other company names, product names, and service names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
The official version of One UI 9 is scheduled to be released on Samsung Galaxy flagship devices later this year, featuring advanced AI functions that make mobile operations easy and smooth.
■ New Features in One UI 9 Beta
The One UI 9 beta introduces several updates across key areas of the mobile experience.
Samsung Notes*1 gains new creative features like decoration tapes and a richer variety of pen stroke styles. The Contacts app now allows direct access to the Creative Studio*2 to create personalized profile cards without switching apps.
The updated Quick Panel*3 offers finer control over the layout. Brightness, volume, and the media player can each be adjusted individually, with more size options available to suit user preferences.
Accessibility is also significantly improved, with a mouse key speed adjustment function for smoother cursor operation. It also includes a TalkBack feature that integrates functions previously provided separately by Google and Samsung. Additionally, a new text spotlight feature has been added, which displays selected text in a floating view, larger and clearer, to improve readability.
One UI 9 also strengthens protection against suspicious apps and potential security threats. When a new high-risk app is detected, it warns the user, blocks the app's execution and installation, and recommends its removal through security policy updates*4.
■ Availability
The One UI 9 beta program will be available for 'Samsung Galaxy S26 series' users starting this week in select countries and regions, including Germany, India, South Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US. Users of the 'Samsung Galaxy S26 series' can apply to join the beta program through the Samsung Members app.
*1 Service availability may vary by country, region, OS/One UI version, device model, and carrier.
*2 Requires installation of the Creative Studio app. Creative Studio features require a network connection and Samsung account login. Availability may vary by country, region, language, and device model. Accuracy and reliability of generated output are not guaranteed.
*3 If this feature is turned off, some settings may be grayed out or not displayed.
*4 Samsung's security policy updates aim to improve device security through changes in service operation policies and may include updates to the list of potentially high-risk apps based on Samsung's internal evaluation.
● 'Samsung Galaxy' is a trademark or registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
● Google, Android, Gemini, and Circle to Search are trademarks of Google LLC.
● Other company names, product names, and service names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.