Samsung Rolls Out One UI 9 to S26 Series

Samsung has officially ended the beta period for One UI 9, pushing the stable update to the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. This release marks the first time the S-series devices receive this major interface overhaul, which was previously only available on the newest foldable phones. The update is based on Android 17 and introduces a suite of design and functional improvements aimed at streamlining daily interactions.

According to XDA Developers, the rollout began on September 16 and is still in progress. Users who have not yet received the notification should check their software settings, as the update is being distributed gradually. Alongside the stable release for the S26 series, Samsung has opened a beta program for a wide range of other models, including the Galaxy A, S, and Z series devices from previous years.

New features arrive on S26

The most significant change for many users is the inclusion of My FanCam, a tool originally launched with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. This feature uses artificial intelligence to lock the camera onto a specific subject while recording video, allowing for smoother tracking without manual adjustments. It is particularly useful for creators who need to capture moving subjects without holding the phone steady.

Beyond video tools, the update enhances the Samsung Notes app with a new 'Tape' feature, which allows users to create more visually organized notes. The Quick Panel, which houses system shortcuts, also receives deeper customization options, letting users rearrange and modify their preferred controls more freely than before.

Desktop mode gets better support

For users who connect their phones to external monitors, Samsung has improved the DeX desktop experience. The update adds better multi-monitor support and new windowed options, which should make multitasking more efficient for those using their phone as a productivity hub. This change addresses long-standing complaints about limited display flexibility in previous versions of the desktop environment.

The update also introduces additional options in the Game Booster, Samsung’s dedicated performance mode for gaming. While the specific new tweaks are subtle, they are designed to help maintain stable frame rates and reduce input lag. However, users should note that these enhancements rely heavily on the underlying hardware, so older devices may not see the same performance gains as the newer S26 models.

Beta program expands to older phones

While the S26 series gets the stable build, a broader beta program is now open for many other devices. This includes the Galaxy A25 through A57 series, as well as the S23, S24, and S25 families. The Z Flip 6 and 7, along with the Z Fold 6 and 7, are also eligible for the beta. This expansion suggests that Samsung intends to bring the core benefits of One UI 9 to a larger portion of its user base within the next few weeks.

Owners of these beta-eligible devices can enroll through the Samsung Members app or the software update menu. It is worth noting that beta builds can sometimes contain bugs or performance issues that are not present in the stable release. Users who prefer a stable experience should wait for the official public rollout, which typically follows a period of testing and refinement.