Samsung is usually among the first Android OEMs to update its devices to the latest Android version. For this, it begins testing new One UI builds months before the public release of a new Android update. The Galaxy S26 series ships with One UI 8.5, which Samsung started beta testing in December 2025. While One UI 8.5 is yet to expand to other Galaxy flagships, it has already begun internally testing Android 17-based One UI 9.

The first Android 17-based One UI 9 firmware has been spotted on Samsung’s servers. The BZC5 firmware is meant for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The team at SamMobile installed the build on their Galaxy S26 Ultra, revealing the few changes it includes. The firmware is based on the latest Android 17 Beta 2 code and doesn’t appear to introduce any noticeable visual changes.

Since this is the first internal beta, it may not include any major new features. They should appear in future beta builds as development progresses.

While Samsung internally testing Android 17-based One UI 9 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is good news, it does not mean that the update will arrive anytime soon. Internal builds are typically in early stages of development, and it could take weeks — or even months — before Samsung starts a One UI 9 beta public testing program.

Android 17 will bring mostly behind-the-scenes changes

Android 17 graphic featuring the Android mascot behind the number 17 holding a green patterned sphere.
Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police

Android 17 is a major SDK release, bringing noticeable API behavioral changes and features. Besides underlying improvements for performance and efficiency, including support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC), seamless transitions and standard loudness options in third-party camera and media apps, and enhanced security measures.

With the final Android 17 release scheduled for late June, Samsung should push One UI 9 for the Galaxy S26 series sometime in mid-July at the earliest.

Before that, though, the company will launch a One UI 9 beta program for its newest flagship in select countries. And even before that, Samsung will expand the stable rollout of One UI 8.5 to its older Galaxy devices.