Samsung is already close to pushing out the stable One UI 9 update for the Galaxy S26 lineup. So it makes sense that the beta program is now opening up to a wider crowd. Six more high-end Galaxy devices are getting access this month, and if you’ve been waiting to get an early look at Android 17 on your phone, your wait might finally be over.
According to SamMobile, Samsung is expanding the One UI 9 beta to the Galaxy S25 series, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The program is rolling out across four markets: India, South Korea, the UK, and the US. That’s a solid spread, covering some of Samsung’s biggest user bases all at once.
This matters because Samsung has been pushing hard to speed up its software update cycle. Getting beta builds out to flagship devices from the previous generation, while the current gen is still getting polished, shows the company is serious about keeping older hardware relevant. It also means more real-world testing across a huge install base, which is good for everyone when the stable release eventually lands.
Joining the beta is straightforward enough. You’ll need the Samsung Members app installed on your device, and you have to be signed into the same Samsung account linked to your phone. Once the program goes live in your region, you register through the app and wait for the build to drop.
But here’s where I’d pump the brakes a little. Early beta builds are rough. We’re talking bugs, random slowdowns, and the occasional feature that just doesn’t work right yet. Samsung will almost certainly push several beta updates before anything stable ships, so this isn’t a one-and-done situation. If the phone you’re thinking of enrolling is your only daily driver, think twice. Losing reliable performance for weeks isn’t worth being first.
Still, for enthusiasts who want a genuine preview of what One UI 9 brings to last year’s hardware, this is the best way in. Just go in with realistic expectations:
- Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Flip 7
- Galaxy Z Fold 7
The fact that Samsung is moving this fast with beta expansion suggests the stable rollout for these devices isn’t too far off either. Worth watching closely over the next few weeks.