One UI 9 may focus on UI refinements like updated sliders and a new lock screen media player
Expected features include floating app bubbles, better privacy controls, and improved performance
The update could debut with Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 before rolling out to other Galaxy devices
Samsung has just introduced the One UI 8.5 with the Galaxy S26 series and now all eyes are on the upcoming One UI 9. The Android 17-based update is already grabbing headlines for its upgrades. While Samsung has not announced the One UI 9 release plans, the leaks suggest it is going to happen soon. The update may bring some visual changes along with some platform-level upgrades. Here is everything that we know about the upcoming update so far, including features, eligible devices and more.
One UI 9 design changes
As per the reports citing early builds, the One UI 9 may not bring big visual changes compared to the One UI 8.5. So, you can expect some refinements, including slight changes to brightness and volume sliders, along with the new lock screen media player. Adding on, there may be some interface changes, including change to some playback controls. Reports also suggest that it may offer glass-like visual effects in the upcoming versions.
One UI 9 features
As per the latest reports, the update may bring the ability to open apps in floating bubbles, improving multitasking. The apps are also said to become more adaptive across different screen sizes. There will be privacy and security improvements as well. The update may bring a new system-level contacts picker, which will allow users to grant access to specific contacts instead of sharing their entire address book. The update may also bring advanced protection mode for enhanced security.
Other features include better support for satellite connectivity, improved ultra-wideband (UWB) features and better optimisation for gaming performance. The One UI 9 can also bring new Galaxy AI features.
One UI 9 release timeline
As per the reports, the One UI 9 may debut with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8. Before that, the Galaxy S26 series may get a beta update. After the initial release, the update may gradually roll out to other phones.
One UI 9 eligible devices
The One UI 9 update is expected to be available on recent Galaxy S series phones ranging from the S23 to the S26 series, foldables starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 and a variety of Galaxy A, M, and F series smartphones.
Tablets, including the Galaxy Tab S9 and newer models, are expected to receive the update. However, the exact list of eligible devices has yet to be announced.
