One UI 9: Samsung expands internal tests

Samsung is expanding its internal testing program for the upcoming One UI 9 update to other devices. In addition to current top models, older smartphones and mid-range devices will also benefit from the upcoming user interface.

Test phase for older models

One UI 9 for Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and tablets once again brings a number of new features. The Koreans had already started the public beta of the upcoming user interface for the Galaxy S26 in mid-May. The work seems to be progressing well. This may be why Samsung has now expanded the internal tests for the Android 17-based system to other models. How SammyGuru reports, the internal tests are no longer limited to classic flagships.

The developers are also adapting the operating system for foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Mid-range smartphones also appear in the databases. Early tests for mid-range devices are unusual for Samsung. With previous versions of One UI, months often passed before the A series was included in test programs.

The test builds discovered include a wide range of devices that could receive the Android 17 update. The internally tested product ranges currently include the following devices:

Release schedule

An official date for distribution of the final software is still pending. Traditionally, Samsung is the first to equip its new folding smartphones with the new user interface. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 are expected to be unveiled at a Samsung Unpacked event in London on July 22nd. The new devices then have One UI 9 installed ex works. Owners of older models will probably have to wait until late summer until the update is regularly available.

This is what One UI 9 brings

The development of Android 17 brings profound changes to the core system. This includes revised memory management, which is intended to extend battery life. Therefore, detailed tests are absolutely necessary to ensure smooth operation on the various hardware platforms. In addition to battery life, new functions are the focus of the work. This fixes camera preview errors and corrects crashes during video streaming.

The update also integrates AI-generated summaries for notifications. An integral part of One UI 9 will be Gemini Intelligence. In the future, the software will be able to carry out complex tasks independently. The extent to which the functions with artificial intelligence end up on the older devices that are now being tested internally will be revealed in the public betas at the latest.