Samsung has launched its One UI 9 beta program for Galaxy S26 series users, giving select customers early access to the company’s latest Android customization layer. The beta, built on Android 17, focuses on three core areas: creativity tools, accessibility features, and security improvements.
Galaxy S26 users in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US can apply for the beta through the Samsung Members app starting this week. The full version of One UI 9 will debut on Samsung’s next flagship devices later this year, complete with AI features designed to simplify mobile interactions.
This beta release signals Samsung’s continued push to differentiate its Android experience from competitors like Google’s Pixel phones and OnePlus devices. The Korean tech giant has increasingly positioned One UI as a key selling point for Galaxy devices, with each major update bringing features that often aren’t available in stock Android.
The creative tools get the biggest attention in One UI 9 beta. Samsung Notes now includes decorative tapes and additional pen line styles, expanding options for digital note-taking and sketching. The Contacts app adds direct integration with Creative Studio, letting users create custom profile cards without switching between applications.
Samsung has also redesigned the Quick Panel with more customization options. Users can now adjust brightness, sound, and media player controls independently, with multiple size options to match personal preferences. This addresses a common complaint about Android’s notification panel being too rigid across different manufacturers.
Accessibility improvements include:
- Adjustable Mouse Key speed for smoother cursor control
- Combined TalkBack package that merges Google and Samsung accessibility features
- Text Spotlight feature that displays selected text in a larger, clearer floating window
The security updates focus on proactive threat detection. One UI 9 beta can identify suspicious apps and warn users before installation or execution. When high-risk apps are detected, the system blocks them and recommends deletion through automatic security policy updates.
Samsung’s timing is strategic. With Google expected to release Android 17 in the coming months, Samsung is positioning itself to be among the first manufacturers to offer the new Android version with meaningful customizations. This gives Galaxy users early access to features that may take months to reach other Android phones.
The beta program also serves as a testing ground for features that will likely appear on Samsung’s next major phone launch. The company typically uses beta feedback to refine software before releasing new hardware, making early adopters part of the development process.
For Samsung, One UI represents more than just software customization. It’s a way to create ecosystem lock-in, encouraging users to stick with Galaxy devices for consistent experience across phones, tablets, and other Samsung products. Features like Creative Studio integration and enhanced Samsung Notes functionality work best within Samsung’s hardware ecosystem.