Samsung is already working on the One UI 9 beta, and the first sign of it has just appeared. The very first internal test build of the One UI 9 beta firmware has been spotted on Samsung’s server for the Galaxy S26 series. The build version is S948BXXU2ZZE7, and it confirms that development is now officially underway. This is still a very early stage, just an internal test build, not a public beta. But it is a big sign that Samsung is moving fast behind the scenes.
Expected Beta Release Date in May
The beta testing program for One UI 9 is expected to start this month for Galaxy S26 users. Despite the possibility of it beginning this month, the delay in the One UI 8.5 stable update could push it to early June or even later.
One UI 9 is likely to launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Wide, and Flip 8 sometime in July. This follows the same timeline as last year, when One UI 8 launched in July 2025 with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Flip 7. So, if Samsung sticks to its pattern, expect a public beta to open a few weeks before that, possibly in May or June.
Leaked Features of One UI 9
Even though One UI 9 is still months away, several features have already leaked from early test builds. The first notable feature in the next version is Tap to Share. The leaked builds show Android’s upcoming Tap to Share feature, which lets users transfer images, videos, and files by simply tapping one phone against another.
Another feature that has appeared is a Gallery overhaul, with a new selection box that appears in the Gallery app when picking multiple images. Every selected photo goes into the box for a cleaner overview, and it can hold up to 15 images at once.
Tipsters also mention that Samsung Internet Browser is getting a compact floating search bar positioned near the bottom of the screen. It includes options for search, AI access, recent tabs, and a quick menu. Furthermore, the Now Bar and widget refresh bring a darker background with smoother music animations. Widgets are also moving toward more squared-off corners for a cleaner and more uniform look.
Samsung is expected to release the stable One UI 8.5 update this week for the Galaxy S25 series, and later, we could hear more about the beta version.
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