Samsung isn’t wasting time. Just days after iOS 26.5 landed and weeks before Google’s Android 17 stable release at I/O and One UI 8.5, Samsung has officially kicked off the One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 series making it one of the first manufacturers to publicly test Android 17 outside of Google’s own Pixel lineup.
The beta is live for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra right now. If you own one of those devices and live in the US, UK, Germany, India, South Korea, or Poland, you can register through the Samsung Members app today. South Korea is expected to receive the rollout first, with other regions following shortly after.
The feature list is focused and practical rather than flashy. The Quick Panel gets a proper redesign, resizable brightness controls, separate media and sound toggles, and more layout freedom. Samsung Notes gains decorative tape tools and new pen styles, with Creative Studio now accessible directly from the Contacts app for profile customization. Accessibility sees meaningful upgrades to a unified TalkBack package combining Samsung and Google tools, adjustable Mouse Key speed, and a “Text Spotlight” feature that floats selected text in an enlarged window for easier reading.
Security gets sharper. One UI 9 can now detect high-risk apps automatically, warn users, block installation, and recommend deletion all powered by Samsung’s own security policy updates.
Full AI features are coming later, expected to debut properly on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8 Wide later this year.
Open Samsung Members, find the beta registration, and sign up now Android 17 on your S26 is one tap away.
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