Samsung is wasting no time in spreading its latest software love. After initially seeding the One UI 9 beta to the Galaxy S25 and S24 families, the company has now flipped the switch for a whole new wave of compatible devices. In total, ten more Galaxy smartphones and foldables are getting a taste of Android 17-based One UI 9, and the list is quite impressive.
This expansion means more users can now test the next generation of Samsung’s custom Android skin before the stable rollout hits later this year. Whether you’re holding a flagship from last year or a more recent mid-ranger, there’s a good chance your device is on the list.
Which Galaxy devices are getting the One UI 9 beta?
The new beta wave covers a broad spectrum of Samsung’s lineup, from the still-relevant Galaxy S23 series to the latest foldables and even some A-series phones. Here’s the full breakdown of the ten devices now eligible for the One UI 9 beta:
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold7
- Galaxy Z Flip7
- Galaxy Z Fold6
- Galaxy Z Flip6
- Galaxy A57
- Galaxy A56
- Galaxy S24 FE
Interestingly, the Galaxy S24 FE was initially left out of the first beta rollout, but Samsung has now rectified that omission. This is a welcome move for fans of the Fan Edition lineup, who often feel they get software support a little later than the flagships.
Galaxy S23 series: still going strong
The Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra are proving that Samsung’s commitment to extended software support is more than just a marketing slogan. These devices, which launched with Android 13, are now eligible to test Android 17. That’s an impressive run, and it shows Samsung is serious about keeping its older flagships relevant for years to come.
If you own one of these phones, you can expect the One UI 9 beta to bring a host of visual refinements, performance tweaks, and new features that we’ll dive into shortly. But first, let’s talk about the foldables.
Foldables get their turn: Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6
Samsung’s foldable lineup is also being treated to the beta. Both the latest Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, along with their predecessors Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, are now in the beta program. This is particularly exciting because foldables often have unique software features that take advantage of their flexible displays, and One UI 9 is expected to build on that.
For Z Fold users, the larger inner screen is likely to get enhanced multitasking capabilities, while Z Flip owners might see new cover screen widgets and improved Flex Mode interactions. The beta will be the first chance to see how Samsung has tailored the Android 17 experience for these form factors.
Mid-range gets a slice: Galaxy A57 and A56
It’s not just the premium devices that are getting the beta treatment. The Galaxy A57 and A56 are also included in this rollout. This is a notable move, as mid-range devices often have to wait much longer for beta programs, if they get them at all. Samsung is clearly aiming to democratize its software updates, bringing the latest features to a wider audience.
If you own an A57 or A56, you’ll be able to experience One UI 9’s improvements without having to shell out for a flagship. That said, availability might be limited by region, so you’ll need to check the Samsung Members app to see if your device is eligible.
What’s new in One UI 9 beta based on Android 17?
While we’ve covered the device list, the real question is what you’ll actually get once you install the beta. One UI 9, built on Android 17, is expected to bring a mix of design changes, privacy enhancements, and performance improvements. Here’s a rundown of some of the most anticipated features based on early leaks and Samsung’s typical update patterns.
Refreshed design and customization options
Samsung has been gradually refining its One UI design language, and One UI 9 is likely to continue that trend. Expect smoother animations, updated icons, and more granular theming options. There’s also talk of a new lock screen customization suite, giving you more control over clocks, widgets, and notification placement.
The quick settings panel might also see a revamp, making it easier to toggle frequently used settings with one hand. Samsung often listens to user feedback, so don’t be surprised if some of the changes address common complaints from previous versions.
Enhanced privacy and security features
Android 17 is expected to bring stronger privacy controls, and Samsung will layer its own security features on top. The beta might include more detailed permission management, such as the ability to grant temporary access to sensitive data like your location or camera. Samsung Knox is also likely to get an upgrade, offering better protection against malware and unauthorized access.
For foldables, there could be new security features that leverage the flex mode, like a private view that only shows content on the main screen when the device is partially folded.
Performance and battery life improvements
Every major Android update promises better performance and battery life, and One UI 9 is no exception. The beta may include optimizations that reduce background app activity, improve thermal management, and extend overall battery endurance. Samsung’s adaptive battery feature is also likely to be fine-tuned, learning your usage habits to allocate power more efficiently.
Early testers on the S25 series have reported smoother scrolling and faster app launches, so we’re hoping for similar results on the newly supported devices.
How to join the One UI 9 beta program
If you own one of the eligible devices and want to get in on the action, the process is fairly straightforward. Samsung typically uses the Samsung Members app to enroll users into beta programs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Check eligibility in the Samsung Members app
Open the Samsung Members app on your device. If you don’t have it, you can download it from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. Once inside, look for a banner or notification about the One UI 9 beta. If your device is eligible, you should see a ‘Join’ or ‘Register’ button.
Keep in mind that beta programs are often limited to certain regions and may have a cap on the number of participants. So, if you see the option, don’t wait too long to sign up.
Step 2: Install the beta update via Settings
After enrolling, you’ll typically receive a notification that the beta update is ready for download. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. The update will be larger than a typical monthly patch, so make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and have enough storage space.
It’s also a good idea to back up your data before installing any beta software. While One UI 9 beta should be stable enough for daily use, betas can still contain bugs that might affect your experience.
Step 3: Provide feedback to help improve One UI 9
One of the main purposes of a beta program is to gather feedback from real users. If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvement, you can submit them through the Samsung Members app. Your feedback will directly influence the final stable release, so don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.
What about the Galaxy S25 Edge and other devices?
You might have noticed that the Galaxy S25 Edge was not included in the initial beta rollout, and it’s still missing from this expansion. This is likely because Samsung is still preparing a special software build for that device, which is expected to launch later this year. Similarly, other devices like the Galaxy A36 and older foldables might have to wait for a future beta wave.
Samsung has a history of rolling out betas in stages, so if your device isn’t on the list yet, don’t lose hope. The company is probably working on extending the beta to more models in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on the Samsung Members app for updates.
Potential risks and considerations before installing the beta
Before you rush to install the One UI 9 beta, it’s important to understand the risks involved. Beta software is not final, and you may encounter bugs, performance issues, or app compatibility problems. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Data loss: Always back up your device before installing the beta. While rare, a failed update could result in data loss.
- Battery drain: Some users report increased battery drain on beta builds, as the system is still optimizing background processes.
- App crashes: Certain apps might not be fully compatible with Android 17 yet, leading to crashes or glitches.
- Rollback difficulty: If you decide to go back to the stable version, you’ll need to perform a full factory reset, which wipes all your data.
If you’re comfortable with these risks, then go ahead and enjoy the bleeding edge of Samsung’s software. But if you rely on your phone for critical tasks, you might want to wait for the stable release.
When will the stable One UI 9 update arrive?
Based on Samsung’s previous update schedules, the stable One UI 9 rollout is expected to begin in the late summer or early fall, likely around August or September. The Galaxy S25 series will probably be the first to receive it, followed by the S24, S23, and then the foldables and mid-range devices.
Of course, the exact timing will depend on how smoothly the beta testing goes. If any major bugs are discovered, Samsung might delay the release to ensure a polished experience. But given the company’s track record, you can expect a relatively timely rollout.
Final thoughts: Samsung is on a roll
Expanding the One UI 9 beta to ten more devices is a bold move that underscores Samsung’s commitment to providing timely and extensive software support. By including not only flagships but also mid-range and Fan Edition devices, Samsung is setting a high standard for the Android ecosystem.
For users, this means you don’t have to own the latest and greatest Galaxy to experience the newest features. Whether you’re using a Galaxy S23 Ultra or a Galaxy A56, you’ll soon have the chance to test Android 17 and all the improvements that come with it.
So, if you’re eager to get started, fire up the Samsung Members app and see if your device is eligible. The future of Samsung’s software is here, and it’s looking brighter than ever.
