Samsung has begun testing the Android 17‑based One UI 9 on its Galaxy A16 5G, uploading firmware A166BXXU8EZF1 to a European test server. The device received the stable One UI 8.5 update last month, but a beta or stable rollout for the A16 5G is unlikely before flagship models see the new UI. It also adds new camera shortcuts and improved battery stats.

The company already released a One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 series, positioning that line as the first to receive a stable version. Samsung also plans to launch three folding phones—Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Z Fold8 and the Z Fold8 Ultra—at a July 22 event in London, where the new UI will ship out of the box.

Beyond the A16 5G, Samsung is developing One UI 9 builds for the Galaxy S25 series, the upcoming A17 5G, A34, A57 and an unannounced S26 FE. By prioritizing flagships and foldables, the firm signals a tiered rollout that keeps premium devices on the cutting edge while mid‑range phones like the A16 5G wait for a later release. Early adopters can expect a smoother UI transition compared to previous updates.