Samsung Prepares One UI 9 Beta for Galaxy S26 Series

While most Galaxy users are still waiting for the stable One UI 8.5 update, Samsung has already started preparing its next major release — One UI 9. Recently, the Galaxy S26 lineup appeared with its first One UI 9 beta build on Samsung’s internal servers. This suggests that a beta program could arrive soon, maybe next month.

Samsung begins One UI 9 beta testing for the Galaxy S26 series

The first One UI 9 beta build for the Galaxy S26 series has appeared on Samsung’s internal test servers across several markets. First spotted by Tarun Vats, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is running build S948BXXU2ZZE7 on internal servers. As of now, only the “B” variant, which is the global model, has appeared. Other variants should follow soon.

This sighting clearly indicates that Samsung is preparing to begin beta testing of its Android 17-based update with a public beta release likely around next month. Alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup, the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 could also receive a One UI 9 beta program. While no beta builds have appeared for these devices yet, we may start seeing them soon.

Samsung is expected to officially debut Android 17-based One UI 9 alongside its next foldables — the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide. The launch could take place around late July, likely on July 22, based on earlier reports. Before that, Samsung will use the beta program to fix bugs and fine-tune the experience.

Depending on how Samsung plans things, the One UI 9 beta timeline could heavily overlap with the One UI 8.5 stable rollout. The company is unlikely to complete the One UI 8.5 rollout until the end of June or even July. It will be interesting to see how it manages both releases in the coming weeks.