Samsung has released One UI 9 for its brand new folding smartphones. The new user interface based on Android 17 brings fresh AI and improved privacy functions, but still keeps owners of older smartphones waiting.
Launch of One UI 9.0
After Samsung expanded its internal tests to 22 devices at the beginning of June, the manufacturer has now officially presented its new user interface One UI 9 at its Unpacked event on July 22, 2026. The system is based on Android 17 and is celebrating its premiere on the newly announced folding smartphones Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Buyers of the devices will receive the new UI directly from the factory. The developers have, among other things, adapted the operating system specifically to the flexible screens of the foldables. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 now offers an extended external display that functions almost like a full-fledged home screen. Users can add widgets or get notifications without opening the phone. In the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a new automatic system ensures that content is seamlessly adapted when changing formats.
Focus on artificial intelligence
As Sammy fans reported, the focus of the update is on new functions with artificial intelligence. The system integrates the context assistant Now Nudge, which analyzes user behavior and displays suggestions at the right moment. In addition, Google’s Gemini language model receives deeper access at the system level.
To maintain privacy when using such tools, Samsung is introducing a special dashboard. It centrally logs all actions of the AI services and warns against unnecessary background permissions. This is intended to give users more control over their personal data while using intelligent tools in everyday life. Other innovations include the automatic subject tracking My FanCam, a voice assistant for image editing Photo Assist and Smart Switch for simplified data import. An often overlooked detail when it comes to major system updates is managing warranty cases. The manufacturer is taking action here with a new service hub. Users can check the warranty status, carry out diagnoses or request repairs directly there.
Older models still have to wait
One disadvantage of the current release policy affects owners of older Galaxy models. While the beta phase for the Galaxy S26 series has been running since May, there is still no official schedule for the final version of One UI 9 for the devices or their even older predecessors. If you don’t buy one of the brand new foldables, you’ll have to be patient.
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