Android 17, One UI 9 Testing Begins for Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung has started testing the Android 17 update for Galaxy devices. The first One UI 9 test build for the Galaxy S26 Ultra was recently spotted on its servers, confirming ongoing development and internal testing. The update is expected to debut with the next-gen Galaxy Z models in July or August this year.

Samsung is testing Android 17-based One UI 9 on Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Galaxy S26 series only went on sale last week, shipping with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 out of the box. Now, Samsung is testing Android 17 with One UI 9 for the devices. X tipster Tarun Vats recently spitted the first internal test build with firmware version BZC5 on its servers.

As the tipster noted, One UI 9 development begins around the same time as One UI 8 last year. This should mean a public beta release in late May or early June, followed by the stable rollout in September. In between, Samsung should launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 with One UI 9 out of the box. The company may also introduce a wider foldable this year.

Of course, none of this is official, besides the first One UI 9 build for the Galaxy S26 lineup appearing on Samsung’s servers. The timeline could change as the development progresses. Galaxy users still remember how long Samsung took to develop and roll out One UI 7. We will let you know when we have more information about the company’s One UI 9 plans.

As far as One UI 8.5 is concerned, Samsung may begin the stable rollout later this month, starting with the Galaxy S25 series. It has already rolled out seven beta builds for the 2025 flagship lineup. Other eligible models may pick up the update starting in April, with the rollout continuing until May or June. We will keep you posted.