Samsung launches One UI 9 Beta, available for S26 series with new AI and accessibility features

Samsung is officially kicking off the One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 lineup, giving users an early taste of its Android 17-based software update. Built on top of Android 17, the beta brings a range of upgrades spanning customisation, accessibility, creativity, and security.

What does One UI 9 Beta offer

In the new One UI 9 Beta, several apps are getting a creative boost such as Samsung Notes, which comes with the addition of decorative tapes and a wider variety of pen line styles. The Contacts app has been updated to offer direct access to Creative Studio, allowing users to create personalised profile cards without having to switch between apps.

The Quick Panel will give users greater control over its layout. Users can now adjust brightness, sound, and the media player can now operate independently, with more size options available to suit individual preferences.

On the accessibility front, One UI 9 introduces an adjustable Mouse Key speed for smoother cursor control, along with a combined TalkBack package that brings together features previously offered separately by Google and Samsung. A new Text Spotlight feature has also been added, displaying selected text in a larger, clearer floating window to make reading easier.

Security will also see meaningful improvements. When new high-risk apps are detected, One UI 9 will now warn users, block execution and installation, and recommend deletion through security policy updates.

One UI 9 Beta availability

The One UI 9 beta program is rolling out to Galaxy S26 series users in select markets this week, including India, Germany, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US. Eligible users can apply to join the beta program through the Samsung Members app. Samsung has also confirmed that the full One UI 9 experience, including advanced AI features, will be introduced with upcoming Galaxy flagship devices later this year.

The One UI 9 Beta rollout also comes at a time when Google is preparing to release Android 17 with a bigger focus on AI features, better security, and digital wellbeing tools. Android 17 brings additions like smarter voice typing, AI-generated widgets, stronger scam protection, and Pause Point — a feature designed to reduce mindless scrolling by making users pause before opening distracting apps. Since One UI 9 is based on Android 17, Galaxy users can expect many of these improvements to eventually become part of Samsung’s software experience as well.