Galaxy S26 Ultra Spotted with One UI 9 Update

Madhav BiradarMarch 16, 2026

Samsung is now testing the One UI 9 firmware update for the Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone. The new firmware build S948BXXU1BZC5 has been spotted on the Samsung test server for the first time, which is expected to launch in the second half of this year. The early firmware build shows Samsung’s commitment to its flagship smartphones to deliver a fresh One UI version.

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This is the first time the One UI 9 firmware build for S26 Ultra has appeared on Samsung’s internal test servers. The Galaxy S26 Ultra was launched last month and is currently running on the One UI 8.5 version, and now the new version is in testing.

The new build hints at a beta testing program for One UI 9, likely to open in May or early June. Samsung is still busy conducting the One UI 8.5 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series and other supported devices.

What’s New in One UI 9

The latest information coming from various rumors suggests that Samsung will bring multi-window and Ask AI support for the Samsung browser. There is a high chance it could come with some exclusive Galaxy AI features, which we have seen over the last couple of years. With more firmware test builds, we will know more about the next One UI 9 version.

One UI 9 Release Date

As per the sources, the next major One UI 9 powered by Android 17 could arrive with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, and the rumored Wide Fold smartphones. The next Galaxy Unpacked event could happen in July or August, where Samsung will announce major Galaxy devices, including One UI 9 with Galaxy AI features.

One UI 9 Beta Release

Further, before heading towards the beta program, Samsung is going to test it with major builds to minimize the chances of early bugs and other issues. On the other hand, Google has started the beta testing program for Android 17 version with the first beta firmware.

Source

Written by

Madhav Biradar

Madhav Biradar is the Lead Software Analyst and Founder of Galaxy Updates. With over 13 years of experience tracking the evolution of Samsung’s ecosystem—from the early days of Tizen OS to the latest One UI Build & releases — specializes in firmware deconstruction and beta-cycle analysis. Based in India, he has personally tested every flagship Galaxy device & wearables since the Galaxy S2, providing readers with hands-on insights that go beyond standard spec sheets. Expertise: One UI Updates, firmware leaks, Samsung Firmware Deployment, Galaxy Ecosystem Integration, wearables, etc.