Samsung starts testing One UI 9 builds for Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8
Summary
Samsung is actively developing One UI 9, with test builds for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 already spotted. The upcoming Galaxy S26 series will feature One UI 8.5, set to launch later this year.
Key Insights
What is the difference between One UI 8.5 and One UI 9, and why would Samsung test One UI 9 on foldable devices first?
One UI 8.5 represents a refinement of One UI 8 with design improvements, customization enhancements, and AI-driven features. One UI 9 would be the next major version in Samsung's operating system evolution. Samsung typically tests new major OS versions on select devices before broader rollout. Foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip often serve as testing grounds because they have unique hardware requirements and user interfaces that benefit from early optimization, ensuring the new OS works seamlessly with their distinctive folding screens and multi-window capabilities.
Why is the Galaxy S26 series getting One UI 8.5 instead of One UI 9 if One UI 9 is already being tested?
Samsung typically staggered its OS releases across device lineups based on launch timing and development cycles. The Galaxy S26 series launching later in 2026 will ship with One UI 8.5, which represents the latest stable, fully-optimized version available at that time. One UI 9, currently in testing phases on foldable devices, requires additional development and refinement before it reaches the stability and feature completeness needed for a flagship device launch. This approach ensures users receive a polished, thoroughly tested experience rather than a beta-stage operating system.