Samsung is rolling out the first beta update for One UI 9 which, for Galaxy devices, will bring Android 17 under the hood, and the changelog reveals that not much is actually going on here – at least not yet.
Where Samsung’s past two major updates have been pretty major – more so in the case of One UI 7 than One UI 8 – it sounds like One UI 9 will be pretty tame by comparison.
The first beta update is rolling out now in select regions, such as Germany, which offers up a look at Samsung’s official changelog for One UI 9. Shared by Tarun Vats and SamMobile, it’s a pretty short list of changes. Samsung details improvements to the Quick Panel design, improvements to Notes and DeX, and various usability enhancements, but there’s really not a ton going on here.
The changelog follows:
More customizable quick panel
- You can now rearrange and customize the controls in your quick panel even more than before. You can change the size of the brightness and volume sliders as well as the media player. You can also separate the sound mode button from the volume slider.
Samsung DeX enhancements
- It’s easier to move an app window from one desktop to another using the menu at the top of the window. Desktop previews are now available at the top of the Recents screen, making it easier to switch with a single tap.
Do more with notes
- The new Tape feature in Samsung Notes let’s you cover parts of your note with tape and reveal them when needed. A variety of new pen styles have also been added, giving you even more options for writing and drawing.
More settings in Game Booster panel
- Adjust your game settings without stopping the action. You can now access screen resolution, screenshot format, and more directly from the Game Booster panel.
Location access transparency
- Stay on top of your location privacy. A blue indicator will appear at the top of the screen when an app accesses your location. Tap the indicator in the quick panel to see which app it is.
Discover new Accessibility features
- Check the What’s new menu in Accessibility settings to learn about and try the latest Accessibility features for your Galaxy.
Text spotlight for easier reading
- Need a closer look? Tap any text on the screen to show it enlarged and highlighted in its own window. You can also customize the font size, colors, and other settings to match your preferences.
Physical keyboard shortcuts
- Use shortcuts on your physical keyboard to access the Accessibility settings you need without touching the screen.
Mouse keys enhancements
- New options are available when using your keyboard for mouse interactions including speed and acceleration control. You can also use the keyboard’s number pad to point and click.
Replace swipe with single tap
- The Replace swipe with single tap option is now located on Dexterity and interaction menu instead of the Assistant menu for easier access.
Select to speak
- Get quick audio readouts without turning on full TalkBack.With the new Select to speak feature, you can select an item on your screen, like text or an image, and hear it read or described out loud.
Improved TalkBack updates
- Through continuous collaboration, Samsung and Google’s TalkBack features have been unified. TalkBack updates can now be applied with a simple app update from the Play Store.
Overall, not much, but with Samsung not expected to formally launch this update until at least July (on its new foldables), there’s still plenty of time for more to appear.
The One UI 9 beta program is open now for Galaxy S26 series devices, and will presumably expand to others in the coming months.
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