Samsung has officially introduced One UI 9, its latest Android interface built on Android 17, alongside the new Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8. The company also launched One UI 9 Watch for its latest smartwatches, introducing a host of AI-powered capabilities, interface improvements and performance enhancements.
One UI 9 is Samsung’s ninth major software update for Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Rather than introducing a complete visual overhaul, the update builds on the Fluid AI design language introduced with One UI 8.5 by adding more intelligent features, stronger privacy protections and improved usability.
Samsung has also accelerated its software release schedule to align with Google’s updated Android roadmap. The rollout begins with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, continuing the strategy introduced with last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
AI-powered features take centre stage
One UI 9 places artificial intelligence at the heart of the user experience, particularly for Samsung’s latest foldable devices.
Gemini Intelligence enables users to automate tasks across more than 40 applications, including shopping, travel bookings and event ticket purchases. On the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Gemini is accessible directly from the Flex Window.
The new Gemini Notebook gathers notes, links, images and voice recordings before generating summaries or audio overviews, helping users organise information more efficiently.
Samsung is also bundling a six-month subscription to Google AI Pro with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8.
Smarter everyday assistance
The update introduces several AI-driven productivity tools designed to simplify daily tasks.
Nudge recommends the next action based on user behaviour, while Now Brief delivers a personalised daily summary featuring music controls, maps, calendar reminders and other action cards.
Users can also monitor Gemini's activity through the new AI Assistant Dashboard, providing greater transparency and control over AI-generated actions.
Photography receives an upgrade with Photo Assist for voice-controlled editing and FanCam, which improves subject tracking in videos.
Stronger privacy and security
Samsung has expanded privacy features in One UI 9 to provide greater protection against digital threats.
New Privacy Alerts use on-device AI to identify applications requesting excessive permissions, while Samsung Internet warns users before opening potentially dangerous websites.
A new Warranty & Care Hub also centralises Samsung Care services, warranty information and repair bookings in one location.
Improved experience for foldable devices
One UI 9 introduces several enhancements specifically designed for foldable smartphones.
These include adaptive screen orientation, automatic lock screen wallpaper repositioning, an improved multi-app split-screen mode with one-tap switching, a more capable Flex Window on the Galaxy Z Flip 8, and a redesigned floating Quick Panel for easier navigation.
Additional improvements
Samsung has retained several beta features in the final release, including:
- Enhanced Quick Panel with larger sliders.
- New pen styles and the Tape Tool in Samsung Notes.
- Game Booster with real-time performance monitoring.
- Blue Dot location access indicator.
- Expanded accessibility through Google TalkBack updates.
- Samsung DeX improvements, including virtual desktops.
- One UI 9 Watch brings new health and fitness tools
Samsung also announced One UI 9 Watch, launching with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, based on Wear OS 7.
The update introduces hands-free Gemini voice activation without wake words, expanded Samsung Health features covering activity, nutrition, mindfulness, sleep and vital signs, FDA-authorised sleep apnoea detection, a new Running Coach with Strava integration, and a redesigned Galaxy Wearable app featuring live watch face previews.
Eligible Galaxy devices
Samsung has not yet released a complete compatibility list for One UI 9. However, the company has confirmed that the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Tab S8 series, Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A33 will not receive the update, as One UI 8.5 represents their final major software upgrade.
Based on Samsung's previous rollout pattern, One UI 9 is expected to expand to:
- Galaxy S23 through Galaxy S26 series.
- Galaxy Z Fold 5–7 and Galaxy Z Flip 5–7 models.
- Selected Galaxy A, M and F series smartphones.
- Galaxy Tab S9 to Galaxy Tab S11 tablets.
- Galaxy XCover 7 series.
- Earlier Galaxy Watch models in the coming months.
Rollout timeline
The Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8 ship with One UI 9 pre-installed and will be available from early August 2026.
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to become the first existing Galaxy smartphones to receive the update from September 2026, with wider availability extending across supported devices through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.
As with previous Samsung software releases, the rollout is expected to begin in South Korea, Europe and the United States before reaching African markets several weeks later.
How to update to One UI 9
Eligible users can install One UI 9 by following these steps:
- Open Settings and select Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
- Ensure the device is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery charge.
- Users can also install the update using Smart Switch on a PC.
- After installation, confirm the software version under Settings > About phone > Software information.
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