Samsung One UI 9 and Android 17: Latest Updates and Compatible Devices

Samsung Electronics is rolling out One UI 9 to a broader range of Galaxy devices, introducing a redesigned Quick Settings panel and deeper integration with Android 17, marking one of the most significant software updates for its mid-tier and flagship smartphones in 2026.

The update, which began deployment in mid-April 2026, replaces the traditional toggle-based Quick Settings interface with a more contextual, card-driven layout that prioritizes frequently used controls such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, battery saver, and screen mode based on user behavior and time of day. Samsung claims the redesign reduces the number of taps needed to access common settings by up to 40% in internal testing.

One UI 9 is built on Android 17, Google’s latest mobile operating system released in September 2025, and includes support for new privacy controls, enhanced AI-driven app suggestions, and improved background process management. Devices receiving the update include the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and select mid-range models such as the Galaxy A55 and A35, according to Samsung’s official update schedule published on April 18, 2026.

The Quick Settings overhaul is part of Samsung’s broader effort to streamline one-handed use on larger displays. The new panel adapts dynamically — showing brightness and volume controls during media playback, while prioritizing connectivity toggles when the device is idle or in power-saving mode. Samsung also introduced a new “Focus Mode” shortcut that activates Do Not Disturb, silences non-essential notifications, and launches a user-selected productivity app with a single tap.

In addition to interface changes, One UI 9 includes under-the-hood improvements to Samsung’s Knox security platform, with enhanced real-time malware scanning and stricter app permission controls for background location access. The update also expands Samsung DeX functionality, allowing wireless connection to compatible monitors without requiring a docking station, a feature previously limited to flagship models.

Samsung confirmed that the One UI 9 rollout will continue through May and June 2026, with older devices such as the Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Z Fold 4 receiving the update in staggered phases depending on region and carrier approval. The company noted that devices running One UI 8.5 will receive the update via over-the-air (OTA) delivery, and users can manually check for availability in Settings > Software Update.

The update arrives amid growing competition in the Android software space, where Google’s Pixel devices and Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Oppo have emphasized minimalist interfaces and faster update cycles. Samsung’s approach with One UI 9 aims to balance customization with usability, retaining its signature features like Edge Panels and Good Lock while adopting a cleaner, more intuitive layout for core system controls.

Early user feedback from Samsung Members community forums indicates mixed reactions to the Quick Settings redesign, with some praising its adaptability and others expressing concern over the learning curve for long-time users accustomed to the traditional toggle grid. Samsung has not announced plans to offer a legacy mode toggle, but stated it will monitor user behavior data to refine the interface in future updates.

As of April 19, 2026, Samsung has not disclosed the exact number of devices eligible for One UI 9, but internal estimates shared with developers suggest over 100 million Galaxy devices worldwide could receive the update by the end of Q2 2026. The company plans to detail further AI integration features, including on-device language model enhancements for Bixby, at its upcoming developer conference in June 2026.