Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 9 beta for Galaxy S26 owners this week, built on Android 17. The update introduces a redesigned Quick Panel with independently adjustable controls for brightness, sound, and media playback. Samsung Notes receives new creative options including decorative digital tapes and additional pen line styles, while the Contacts app now integrates with Creative Studio for personalized profile cards.

Accessibility features stand out in One UI 9, with the ability to adjust mouse key speed and Text Spotlight for zooming selected text in floating windows. Samsung's TalkBack screen reader now integrates with Google's TTS technology. The system also includes enhanced security that can detect high-risk apps and block their installation. These improvements demonstrate Samsung's focus on user experience and protection.

The beta program is available through the Samsung Members app in select markets including the US, UK, Germany, India, Poland, and Korea. Samsung has reserved "advanced AI features" for the final version, expected to launch on upcoming Galaxy flagship devices, likely the foldables rumored for July. The company continues its regular software update cycle despite relatively modest feature additions in this beta.