The One UI 9 update is Samsung’s Android 17 release for Galaxy phones and tablets, and the stable version is now rolling out. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 shipped with it, the Galaxy S26 series started getting it in mid-September 2026, and older flagships are next.
This guide covers when your phone gets it, what is new, and how to install it safely.
One UI 9 is Samsung’s update built on Android 17. It came preinstalled on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, and the stable update began reaching the Galaxy S26 series in South Korea on September 16, 2026. Carrier-locked US models began receiving it later in September. The Galaxy S25, S24, S23, and recent foldables follow in stages. Check Settings > Software update > Download and install.
One UI 9 Update Release Date by Galaxy Phone
Samsung rolls out updates in waves by model, region, and carrier. Here is where things stand as of September 25, 2026:
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8: shipped with One UI 9. Nothing to download.
- Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra: stable update rolling out. It started in South Korea on September 16, then reached carrier-locked US models later in September. The Galaxy S26 Ultra build reported in the US is about 4.2 GB and includes the September 2026 security patch.
- Galaxy S25 series, S25 FE, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7: beta testing or next in line, depending on the market.
- Galaxy S24, S23 series, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Tab S11: beta testing or scheduled for a later stage.
- Galaxy A series and other tablets: phased rollout over the following months.
Samsung’s official announcement confirms that the rollout started with the S26 series after One UI 9 debuted on the 2026 foldables. SamMobile tracked the first carrier-locked US firmware.
A Samsung Thailand schedule places the S25 series and recent foldables in the first regional wave and says eligible devices through the S23 FE should follow by year-end; timing will differ by country and carrier.
For a broader compatibility list, see SamMobile’s One UI 9 eligibility list.
What Is New in One UI 9
One UI 9 is a moderate update rather than a full redesign. Much of the change sits under the hood at the Android 17 level. The visible highlights, based on SamMobile’s feature breakdown, are below.
Design: Now Bar and widgets
The Now Bar on the lock screen gets a darker look with animations that react to music playback. Widgets move to more squared-off corners, and the media player has a cleaner layout.
Galaxy AI and Gemini
A smarter Now Nudge offers proactive suggestions, Now Brief can be customised to show what you care about, and Gemini integration goes deeper on Galaxy AI devices.
Quick Share with iPhone
Quick Share can exchange files with iPhones, iPads, and Macs over AirDrop, with no extra app. Google lists the Galaxy S26, S25, and S24 series, Z Fold 6 and 7, Z Flip 6 and 7, Z Fold 6 Special Edition, and Z TriFold as supported.
The iPhone owner needs to set AirDrop visibility to Everyone for 10 minutes, and both devices must be close by with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on.
Notes, accessibility, and security
Samsung Notes adds a Tape tool and new pen styles, and Quick Settings is easier to rearrange. TalkBack combines Google and Samsung accessibility features, Text Spotlight enlarges selected text in a floating window, and stronger warnings flag risky app installs.
How to Install the One UI 9 Update
Back up photos, messages, and app data with Samsung Cloud or Google backup, charge to at least 50 percent or plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and free up several gigabytes of storage. The full download can be over 4 GB.
- Open Settings and tap Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
- Follow the prompts and leave the phone alone while it restarts.
If the One UI 9 update does not appear and your phone says its software is current, the rollout has not reached your model, region, or carrier yet. Check again every few days.
To confirm the update, open Settings > About phone > Software information and look for One UI version 9.0. You can also check your Android security patch level there.
Want it early? On eligible models in supported countries, open the Samsung Members app and look for the One UI Beta Program banner. Beta builds can have bugs, so avoid them on a phone you rely on for work. If files go missing after any update, see how to recover deleted files from Android.
What About One UI 9 Watch?
Watches get a separate Wear OS 7-based release called One UI 9 Watch. It ships on the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2, while Samsung is testing a beta for the Galaxy Watch 8 in South Korea. Phone and watch rollout dates are separate.
Still on One UI 8.5? Fix battery drain and overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the One UI 9 update available now?
Yes, in stages. It shipped on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, and the stable update started rolling out to the Galaxy S26 series in September 2026. Other models follow over the coming weeks and months.
When will my Galaxy S25 get One UI 9?
The S25 series is among the next models in line after the S26. Samsung Thailand included it in the country’s September wave, but timing varies by country and carrier, so watch Settings > Software update.
Which Android version is One UI 9 based on?
One UI 9 is built on Android 17.
How big is the One UI 9 update?
Reports put the full download for the Galaxy S26 at over 4 GB, so connect to Wi-Fi and free up storage first. Beta users get a much smaller download.
Can I share files between a Galaxy phone and an iPhone?
Yes, on supported models including the Galaxy S26, S25, and S24 series. Use Quick Share on the Galaxy phone and set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 minutes on the iPhone.
