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?
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The Galaxy S26 series brings together fast performance, advanced cameras and AI features in one smooth experience. Samsung also highlights strong privacy and security, saying users can depend on the phone all day without worrying about personal data.
All models are powered by a customised chipset designed for better AI performance, power efficiency and stable use. The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, which offers faster CPU, GPU and AI processing. Samsung says the phone feels quicker when multitasking, gaming or using AI features. To keep temperatures under control, the S26 Ultra includes a redesigned vapor chamber for improved cooling. Super Fast Charging 3.0 is also included, allowing the phone to reach up to 75 percent charge in around 30 minutes.
Samsung has also improved visual quality through built-in technologies that sharpen details, improve colours and make photos and videos look more natural on the display. These changes are designed to make everyday use feel smooth and effortless.
The camera system remains a major focus. The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses wider camera apertures to capture more light, helping deliver clearer photos in low-light conditions. Night video recording is improved, and Super Steady video now offers better stability during movement. The phone also supports a new professional-grade video format aimed at creators who want high-quality footage that stays clear even after editing. The selfie camera benefits from AI upgrades as well, producing more natural skin tones and better detail.
Photo and video editing is made simpler with AI tools built into the Gallery. Users can describe changes in simple words, such as fixing lighting, removing unwanted objects or adjusting small details. Edits can be reviewed step by step and undone easily, making the process feel natural and stress-free.
Galaxy AI on the S26 series is more proactive and personalised. Features like Now Nudge and Now Brief offer helpful suggestions at the right time, such as sharing recent photos, checking calendar conflicts or reminding users about upcoming plans. Searching is also improved with an upgraded Circle to Search with Google, which can recognise multiple objects in one image. Bixby has been improved to better understand natural language, making it easier to control the phone without learning specific commands. Users can also choose between AI agents like Gemini and Perplexity to complete tasks across apps using simple voice or button actions.
Privacy and security are key highlights of the Galaxy S26 series. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a built-in Privacy Display that limits side viewing angles, helping keep screen content private in public places without lowering display quality for the user. Samsung has also added smarter call screening, real-time privacy alerts, a Private Album in Gallery, and stronger encryption through Samsung Knox. The company confirms that the Galaxy S26 series will receive seven years of security updates.
Galaxy S26 lineup availability
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