One UI 9.5: Samsung is starting its first tests with the Galaxy S26 extremely early

While most users are still waiting for the final version of One UI 9, Samsung is already testing the successor to the Galaxy S26. The early launch of One UI 9.5 could bring benefits for future updates.

Early start for new firmware

One UI 9 has just been launched together with the new foldables from Samsung. But while the Koreans are still testing the user interface for 50 other smartphone models, according to new information, the company has already started the first tests of One UI 9.5 on the Galaxy S26. The developers are working exceptionally early on the update based on Android 17. The fact that the manufacturer is now pursuing a two-pronged approach has both advantages and disadvantages.

Final updates for One UI 9 could be delayed. At the same time, future software bottlenecks can be avoided at an early stage. In the past, the company struggled with massive delays when making major version upgrades. By bringing the work forward, the programmers have more leeway to intensively test complex new functions. This significantly reduces the likelihood of errors at market launch.

Internal test runs revealed

Last year, work on One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 didn’t start until mid-September. The current schedule is therefore a full month ahead. Like the leaker Tarun Vats on X reported, the now discovered firmware for the Galaxy S26 has the ending CZH1. In addition to the current flagship, another build number (AZH3) also appeared. It is assigned to the model SM-S958U. The identifier corresponds to Samsung’s internal name for the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra. Samsung traditionally develops so-called mid-cycle updates primarily for the next generation of devices. It usually comes onto the market in the spring of the following year. The functions are usually only activated for older smartphones after the new models are presented. The current acceleration could indicate particularly extensive innovations in the system.

Early betas possible

If Samsung maintains the high pace, the first public beta tests for One UI 9.5 should start well before December. Innovations such as a completely new interface with highly transparent UI elements, floating bars and menus as well as dark icons and revised system graphics are already expected.