The wait for the next generation of Samsung’s software is nearing its end. The One UI 9 Beta Program is on the verge of its official release for the Galaxy S25 series, and thanks to recent leaks, we now have a much clearer picture of what is coming to the flagship lineup.

The ZZG8 build achieves Play Certification

The most definitive proof of the impending Beta rollout comes from an internal test build discovery. According to information shared by Fahad Ali Javed on X, the first internal beta firmware ending in ZZG8 has been officially Google Play Certified.

When looking at the leaked screenshot, the software information clearly outlines Android 17 and One UI version 9.0 running on baseband version S936BXXUBZZG8. The fact that the device has secured “Play Protect certification” is a massive green light.

Typically, Beta builds that pass this certification are stable enough for public testing, strongly suggesting that ZZG8 will be the exact firmware pushed to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 users as the first official Public Beta.

Major leaked features: Horizon Lock, Now Nudge, and My FanCam

While the certification confirms the timeline, the leaked feature set is what has S25 users buzzing. One UI 9 is shaping up to bring significant camera and AI enhancements:

• Horizon Lock
• My FanCam
• Now Nudge
• Ask AI Integration

With the ZZG8 build certified and these massive feature upgrades waiting in the wings, Galaxy S25 users should keep a close eye on the Samsung Members app; the Beta rollout is imminent.

Source – Fahad Ali Javed

Samsung launched the One UI 9 beta program in May 2026 for Galaxy S26 users. After several beta builds, the company released the stable version of One UI 9 on July 22, 2026. It came pre-installed on the new Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8.

One UI 9 Beta Program

The One UI 9 beta program launched quickly after internal testing. It is currently available via the Samsung Members app for eligible S26 users in supported regions.

Multiple beta builds have been released so far: Beta 1 (May 13), Beta 2 (May 26), and Beta 3 (June 16). The public beta remains focused on the S26 series in the same supported countries. However, internal testing has expanded significantly to many more devices (S25 series, S24 series, S23 series, various A-series like A56/A57/A35/A25, and tablets).

According to early feedback, there’s a nicer Quick Panel design, improved Notes and DeX, accessibility tweaks, and stronger security features. You can expect more beta builds over the next few months as Samsung refines Android 17 features before the stable release.

For comparison, the One UI 8 beta program had 7 builds for the Galaxy S25 series, while One UI 8.5 went through a longer testing phase with around 9 to 10 beta builds.

Samsung One UI 9 Release Date

The One UI 9 beta started on May 13, 2026 for the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung released the stable version on July 22, 2026, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8. The global expansion for flagship devices is likely to take place in August 2026. Older flagships and mid-range devices should get the update from August to December 2026.

• Beta started: May 13, 2026 (Galaxy S26 series).
• Stable rollout expected: August 2026 (starting with the S26 series).
• Global expansion for flagships: Likely August-September 2026.
• Older flagships and mid-range devices: August-December 2026.

Note: Samsung usually speeds up the schedule once testing goes well, so some dates could move forward.

Expected Stable One UI 9 Rollout Timeline

July 2026:

• Galaxy Z Fold8/Fold8 Ultra, Z Flip8 (launch devices).

August–September 2026:

• Galaxy S26 series (stable).
• Galaxy S25 series.
• Galaxy S24 series.
• Galaxy Z Fold7/Flip7.

October–December 2026:

• Galaxy S23 series and older flagships.
• Mid-range A-series (A56, A36, etc.).
• Galaxy Tab models.

Note: Regional availability will vary, with Korea and Europe often getting updates first.

Samsung One UI 9 Eligible Devices (Expected List)

Samsung hasn’t published the full official list yet, but based on past patterns and current testing, here’s who is expected to get One UI 9:

Galaxy S Series:

• S26 Edge / S26 / S26+ / S26 Ultra (beta now)
• S25 series
• S24 series
• S23 series (likely final major OS update)

Galaxy Z Series:

• Z Fold8 / Z Flip8 (launch with One UI 9)
• Z Fold7 / Z Flip7
• Z Fold6 / Z Flip6 (expected)

Galaxy Tab Series:

• Tab S11 series and newer
• Tab S10 series
• Tab S9 series

Galaxy A Series:

• A56, A36, A55, A35 and select newer mid-range models
• Some budget models may get it later or as a lighter version.

Older devices like the S22 series and Z Fold4 are now on security-only updates and are not expected to receive One UI 9.

What to Expect from One UI 9

The One UI 9 focuses on:

• Enhanced Galaxy AI tools
• Better personalization and customization
• Improved multitasking and DeX
• Stronger privacy and security features from Android 17
• Smoother animations and performance

These are still early days for One UI 9. Things can change as the beta progresses and Samsung shares more details. I will keep an eye on the latest developments and update this article as new information comes in.

Tip: If you own a Galaxy S26 and are in a supported country, check the Samsung Members app now to sign up for the beta. Just remember, betas can have issues, so back up your data first.

Samsung appears to have already started the One UI 9.5 firmware development on the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The first build has been spotted on the US server, signaling accelerated development for the next-generation flagships.

Firmware detective FahadAliJaved discovered One UI 9.5 [AZH3] build on Samsung’s Galaxy S27 Ultra [SM-S958U]. This is the very first build, which has landed on the software server nearly six months before its public debut.

Samsung launched its new foldable phones with Android 17-based One UI 9.0. The official rollout will begin on August 7, 2026. Existing devices, meanwhile, are expected to start receiving this update by September 2026.

One UI 9.5 will also be based on Android 17. It will debut as part of an exclusive software tailored for the next-gen flagship phones. However, Samsung will also upgrade various existing devices to the new Android 17 version.

Well, One UI 9.5 entered development much earlier than in previous years. The emergence increases the possibility of the Beta Program’s launch around November. Galaxy S26 series would be invited first to test the Beta.

Since One UI 9.5 joined the party, it should soon be landing for the Galaxy S26 series internally. Power users, as always, would gain access to the internal firmware, opening a slew of leaks from the latest software well before launch.

Galaxy S27 series may come in four models: base, Plus, Pro, and Ultra. The Pro is a new entrant here, rivalling the iPhone 18 Pro coming this September. Both the Pro and Ultra are rumored to feature a silicon-carbon battery upgrade.

Official One UI 9.0 will begin rolling out next week, but Samsung plans to release the Galaxy S26 Beta 5 update as well. Internal testing is reportedly underway, and users are expected to welcome the next Beta this August.

On July 22, Samsung showcased One UI 9 full experience at the Unpacked event. It comes with enhanced experiences, improved animations, refined design, polished features, and upgraded Galaxy AI capabilities.

One UI 9 Beta 5 release will happen

Samsung has been running the Galaxy S26 Beta Program since May 2026. Four Beta updates have arrived so far, and August opens the door for the next.

The company is working on One UI 9.0 Beta 5 for the Galaxy S26 series. The internal build emerged last week, confirming Samsung’s plan to keep running Beta testing activity.

When to expect the fifth Beta update?

Samsung rolled out the first, second, and third Beta builds in around 50 days. The first came upon enrolling for the Beta Program, while the second and third followed, maintaining a gap of two weeks each.

The company stretched the testing duration of Beta 4, taking it to around four weeks. The update was huge, weighing around 1.25GB in size and released on July 14, 2026.

Over two weeks have passed, and Samsung hasn’t pushed the fifth Beta so far. The testing began merely three/four days ago, signaling a wait of a few more days for rollout.

The fifth Beta update may release on August 3 or August 5. However, this timeline contradicts the global release of the three new foldable phones, which is set for August 7, 2026.

If Samsung follows the 4-week testing duration again, we may not see Beta 5 until mid-August. If it misses the first week, the second week is the most likely timeline for rollout.

Samsung is getting ready to roll out the Android 17-based One UI 9 update to eligible Galaxy devices. If you have a Galaxy S23 Ultra and are wondering whether your phone will receive the One UI 9 update, the answer is yes.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is among the devices eligible for One UI 9, which is expected to arrive later this year. This update will bring several new features, including improved Galaxy AI tools, interface enhancements, better productivity options, and all the latest Android 17 enhancements.

However, One UI 9 is likely to be the last major Android update for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung launched the phone in 2023 with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, promising four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. Since then, the device has received Android 14, Android 15, and Android 16.

With the arrival of Android 17 and One UI 9, Samsung will complete its promised software support for major Android upgrades. Even so, Galaxy S23 Ultra owners can expect security updates until early 2028.

Many users are also curious about One UI 9.5. While Samsung has not officially confirmed its plans, the update may not arrive for the Galaxy S23 series. That’s because Samsung has changed its software strategy.

Recent mid-cycle updates are built on Google’s Android Quarterly Platform Releases (QPR). This is also why the Galaxy S22 series did not receive One UI 8.5 after completing its major Android update cycle. If Samsung follows the same approach next year, the Galaxy S23 Ultra could miss One UI 9.5 as well.