One UI 9 Beta on Galaxy S26: What’s New in Android 17
Samsung has opened registration for the One UI 9 beta testing program. The update focuses on deeper interface customization and the automation of routine tasks.
Key Interface and Functional Changes
The Samsung Notes update now allows you to transform ordinary digital entries into something resembling a stylish paper planner. You can use virtual decorative tapes to “attach” photos to pages or visually highlight headings, while new pen line styles make handwriting and sketching diagrams much neater.
Managing your phone book has also become simpler, as Creative Studio tools are now built directly into the Contacts app. This allows you to quickly create personalized profile cards in a consistent style without needing to open third-party editors.
The Quick Panel has become more flexible, as you can now decide exactly where the volume or brightness control buttons are located and what size they should be. For working with text, a new Text Spotlight feature has been added, which enlarges a selected fragment in a separate floating window to make reading small print easier.
System improvements also extend to controls: you can now smoothly adjust mouse cursor speed and utilize the updated TalkBack package. Regarding security, the system has learned to act proactively—it automatically recognizes dangerous applications during installation and blocks them to protect your data.
Security and Performance
The system has received enhanced application activity monitoring. Now, One UI 9 doesn’t just send a threat notification; it automatically pauses installation if a security certificate is in doubt. Additionally, precision cursor speed adjustment has been added for when a mouse is connected, which is particularly relevant for working in DeX mode.
Technical Details
The beta version is available for Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra models. Registration typically takes place through the Samsung Members app. Given that this is the first beta of Android 17, you should expect issues with the stability of banking apps and battery life. If the smartphone is your primary work device, it is more rational to wait for the stable release.
