Samsung has officially announced the One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 series, with rollout beginning this week in select global markets including India, Korea, Germany, Poland, the U.K., and the U.S. Built on Android 17, the new update introduces expanded AI-powered features, deeper customisation tools, accessibility improvements, and enhanced security protections.
Galaxy S26 series users in supported regions can register for the beta program through the Samsung Members app.
Samsung Notes and Quick Panel Receive New Features
One UI 9 beta introduces several interface and productivity updates across Samsung's core applications.
Samsung Notes now includes new creative tools such as decorative tapes and additional pen line styles aimed at improving note customisation and journaling experiences. The Contacts app has also gained direct access to Samsung's Creative Studio, allowing users to create personalised profile cards without switching between applications. Samsung says the updated Quick Panel now offers greater layout flexibility, with independently adjustable brightness, sound, and media controls alongside expanded size customisation options.
Accessibility and Security Improvements Added in One UI 9
Samsung is also expanding accessibility features with One UI 9. The update introduces adjustable Mouse Key speed controls for smoother cursor movement alongside a unified TalkBack package that combines accessibility features previously split between Samsung and Google.
A new "Text Spotlight" feature has also been added, allowing selected text to appear larger or more visible inside a floating window to improve readability. On the security side, One UI 9 beta introduces enhanced protection against suspicious apps and potential threats. Samsung says the system can now detect certain high-risk applications, warn users, block execution and installation attempts, and recommend deletion through updated security policies.
Samsung Confirms More AI Features for Future Galaxy Flagships
Samsung says the complete One UI 9 experience will debut with upcoming Galaxy flagship smartphones later this year, including additional AI-powered features designed to make mobile interactions more seamless and contextual.
However, the company has not yet detailed which AI features will remain exclusive to newer Galaxy devices or when the stable version of One UI 9 will begin rolling out publicly. As with previous Samsung beta programs, users should expect bugs, stability issues, and possible third-party app compatibility problems during testing.
One UI updates have increasingly become one of Samsung's biggest software differentiators, especially as Android skins across brands continue moving toward similar visual designs. With One UI 9, Samsung appears to be focusing less on dramatic UI redesigns and more on practical AI integration, accessibility refinement, and deeper ecosystem features, which may ultimately matter more for long-term everyday usability than headline-grabbing visual changes.
