Which Samsung phones are getting the Samsung One UI 9 update

For Nora Adeyemi, a freelance writer in Lagos, her Samsung Galaxy S26 series phone is more than just a device - it's her office, her entertainment hub, and her lifeline to the world. With the upcoming release of Samsung's One UI 9 update, built on Android 17, Nora is eager to know if her phone will be getting the latest features and improvements. But with Samsung's notoriously complex update cycle, it's not just about when the update will arrive, but which devices will be eligible for the upgrade.

Samsung has announced that the One UI 9 beta program kicked off on May 13, 2026, starting with the Galaxy S26 series. However, not all Galaxy phones and tablets will be getting the update. According to Samsung, the following devices are expected to receive the One UI 9 update:

• Galaxy S26 series
• Galaxy Z Fold 8
• Galaxy Z Flip 8

But what about other popular Galaxy devices like the Galaxy S25 series or the Galaxy A series? Unfortunately, it seems that these devices will not be getting the One UI 9 update. Samsung has not officially confirmed which devices will be receiving the update, but it's clear that the company is prioritizing its newer flagship devices.

So, what can Galaxy users expect from the One UI 9 update? Samsung has officially confirmed several features, including:

• Samsung Notes getting decorative tapes and more pen line styles
• The Contacts app connecting directly to Creative Studio for custom profile cards
• A redesigned Quick Panel with independently adjustable brightness, sound, and media player
• Accessibility updates, including adjustable Mouse Key speed and a combined TalkBack package
• Text Spotlight showing selected text in a larger, clearer floating window
• High-risk app blocking, which warns users about suspicious apps and recommends deletion

But that's not all - testers and tech publications have also spotted several other features in early beta builds, including:

• Thicker brightness and volume sliders
• A lock-screen media player widget with colorful waveform animations
• Parental Controls moved out of Digital Wellbeing into its own dedicated section in Settings
• An audio output picker with a more user-friendly interface

One UI 9 is built on Android 17, Google's latest annual Android release. But what does this mean for the future of Android? Android 17 brings several improvements, including floating app bubbles, which allow users to open any app in a floating window. This feature has been spotted in early beta builds of One UI 9, and it's clear that Samsung is committed to integrating Android 17's features into its software.

As the One UI 9 update rolls out, it's clear that Samsung is prioritizing its flagship devices. But what about the company's mid-range and budget devices? Will they be left behind, or will Samsung find a way to bring the latest features to its more affordable devices? I predict that the One UI 9 update will be a turning point for Samsung, but it will also highlight the company's struggles with its update cycle. As the competition heats up in the Android market, Samsung needs to find a way to bring its flagship features to all its devices, not just the ones that are lucky enough to make the cut.

So, when can Galaxy users expect the One UI 9 update? Samsung has announced that the stable version is expected to debut around July 22, 2026, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 at a reported Unpacked event in London. But what about the beta testers who have been waiting for weeks? The delay is likely due to Samsung's commitment to quality and testing, but it's clear that the company is under pressure to deliver the update as soon as possible.

The One UI 9 update is just around the corner, and Galaxy users are eagerly waiting to see what features and improvements it will bring. But as the update cycle continues to be a source of frustration for Samsung fans, it's clear that the company has a long way to go in terms of transparency and communication.