Samsung Starts Testing New Software, One UI 9

Samsung has started early tests for its next software, called One UI 9. This new software is being tested on future foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. This shows Samsung is planning ahead to make sure the software works well with new phones.
By Newsroom | Technology, Mobile |

Advance development signals a deliberate strategy to align new software with upcoming hardware.

Recent activity within Samsung's internal development systems shows the company has begun testing One UI 9, its next major software iteration. This early commencement of testing, preceding the wider release of the current One UI 8.5 and the launch of the Galaxy S26 series, suggests a forward-looking approach to product development. Evidence points to these initial tests being conducted on hardware intended for upcoming foldable devices, namely the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. This synchronized development cycle hints at Samsung's intention to ensure new software features are finely tuned for the distinct form factors and capabilities of its future mobile hardware.

Context and Timeline

Samsung's software update schedule typically follows a pattern of initial releases with new flagship devices, followed by broader rollouts. However, the early emergence of One UI 9 test builds indicates a departure from this norm.

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  • The Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to launch with One UI 8.5, potentially around February 25th.

  • Internal testing of One UI 9 has reportedly been observed for devices expected later in the year.

  • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 are identified as the primary recipients of these early One UI 9 tests.

  • There are also indications of a third, potentially wider-screened foldable model undergoing testing for One UI 9.

  • One UI 9 is expected to be based on Android 17.

  • The wider rollout of One UI 9 to other devices is anticipated later in the year, after its debut on new foldables.

Detected Firmware and Device Identifiers

Specific firmware versions associated with these early tests provide concrete identifiers for the development activity.

  • Galaxy Z Fold 8 firmware: F976USQU0AZB1 (identified by tipster Tarun Vats and corroborated by multiple sources).

  • Galaxy Z Flip 8 firmware: F776USQU0AZB1 (also attributed to Tarun Vats and confirmed elsewhere).

  • A "mystery third foldable" or "wide fold" device has also appeared in internal testing logs for One UI 9, with one source citing model number SM-F971U.

  • An internal build for the current Galaxy Z Fold 7 US variant has also been noted in relation to One UI 9 testing.

Alignment with Hardware Innovation

Samsung's One UI has consistently served as a platform to showcase refined performance, introduce advanced AI features, and present user interfaces optimized for their hardware. The early testing of One UI 9 alongside next-generation foldable hardware suggests a strong focus on leveraging software to enhance the unique attributes of these devices.

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  • Foldable Form Factors: The integration of One UI 9 with new foldable models, including potential variations like a wider screen, indicates that software development is being tailored to accommodate and perhaps expand user interaction possibilities on these flexible displays.

  • AI Enhancements: As with previous One UI versions, One UI 9 is expected to incorporate AI capabilities, likely building upon the AI enhancements planned for One UI 8.5 and the Galaxy S26 lineup.

  • Performance Optimizations: Early software builds often focus on system stability and performance, suggesting that Samsung is working to ensure a smooth and efficient user experience for its upcoming devices.

The commencement of One UI 9 testing at this juncture highlights a sustained effort in software engineering that appears to be accelerating or becoming more integrated with hardware lifecycles.

  • Early Testing Cycle: The presence of One UI 9 test builds while One UI 8.5 is still being deployed to a wider user base, and before the Galaxy S26 series launch, points to an earlier-than-usual start for the next major software version.

  • Parallel Development: Evidence suggests that development for One UI 9 is progressing concurrently across multiple future foldable models, indicating a dedicated resource allocation.

  • Broader Software Strategy: This approach could signal a broader strategy by Samsung to ensure its software innovations are ready to coincide with the introduction of new hardware, thereby maximizing the impact of both.

Expert Analysis and Implications

Industry observers note that this early development phase for One UI 9 is significant, suggesting a proactive stance by Samsung in the competitive mobile landscape.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S26 Phones: What We Know So Far

"Samsung appears to be laying the groundwork for its next major software update well ahead of schedule, with early signs of One UI 9 development surfacing alongside next-generation foldable hardware testing." - Digital Trends

The observed testing suggests that Samsung is actively working to integrate software and form-factor innovation. This dual focus is critical for the success of its premium foldable devices, which are expected to introduce refined user experiences and potentially new hardware configurations.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The early testing of One UI 9 on prospective foldable hardware represents a clear indicator of Samsung's commitment to an iterative and integrated product development cycle. The observed activity suggests that the company is preparing to launch its next generation of foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, with a software suite, One UI 9, that has undergone significant and timely internal evaluation. This advance preparation implies an effort to align the software's capabilities and features directly with the hardware's design and intended use cases. The ongoing testing phase will likely continue to reveal more details about the specific enhancements and functionalities that One UI 9, built upon Android 17, will bring to Samsung's mobile ecosystem.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Samsung testing?
Samsung is testing its new software called One UI 9. This is for future phones.
Q: Which phones will get One UI 9 first?
The new foldable phones, like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, will likely get it first.
Q: When will this new software be ready?
It is expected to be ready later in the year, after the new foldable phones are released.
Q: What is One UI 9 based on?
One UI 9 is expected to be based on Android 17.