Google has released Android 17 and Wear OS 7, introducing new multitasking features, parental controls, security tools, and smartwatch upgrades. The launch is also accompanied by a Pixel Drop that brings Google’s latest AI models to its devices.

If you are looking forward to the next One UI update, then there is some good news. You can get your hands on it early starting today through the Samsung Beta program on Galaxy S26 series devices.

One UI 9 is built on Android 17 and some features won't debut until the next generation Galaxy devices hit the market later this year. However, in the meantime, there are plenty of new features for Galaxy S26 owners to try out before the full public release.

The One UI 9 beta introduces several updates across key areas of the mobile experience. Samsung Notes gains a wider variety of pen line styles, while the Contacts app now links with Creative Studio, allowing you to create personalised contact cards without switching apps. The new version also contains security enhancements to further protect against suspicious apps and threats.

The updated Quick Panel gives users greater control over its layout. Brightness, sound and media player are each independently adjustable, with more size options to suit individual preferences. Accessibility is also improved by an adjustable Mouse Key speed that enables smoother cursor control and a combined TalkBack package that brings together features previously offered separately by Google and Samsung. Text Spotlight can also be used to magnify highlighted text to make reading easier.

The One UI 9 beta program is available to sign up to now via the Samsung Members app for anyone with a Galaxy S26 series device, just as long as you are in one of the supported markets. The UK is part of the beta programme.

KitGuru Says: Do you own a Galaxy S26? Are you planning on trying the One UI 9 beta?

The post Samsung rolls out One UI 9 (Android 17) beta in UK first appeared on KitGuru.

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