One UI 9 is still rolling out to older Galaxy phones, and Samsung is already working on the next version. One UI 9.5 has shown up for the first time this week.

It appeared in a Samsung app update on October 1, 2026, and test builds for the Galaxy S26 and the new foldables were spotted a day later.

In this post, I will tell you everything we know about One UI 9.5 so far, when the beta could start and which phones should get it.

Quick answer: One UI 9.5 is based on Android 17 and should launch with the Galaxy S27 in early 2027. Samsung is already testing it on the Galaxy S26, Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8. A beta is likely by the end of 2026, with the Galaxy S26 first in line.

Where Did One UI 9.5 Show Up First?

In a small Samsung app called Nearby Device Scanning. Version 11.1.24.8 of this app lists support for One UI 9.5, according to Sammy Fans.

The same update brings a Quick Pair pop-up and a new app logo. Nearby Device Scanning is the service that finds Galaxy Buds, watches and other devices around you, so this one usually gets ready early.

Samsung doesn’t add a version name to its apps by accident. When it shows up in an app changelog, the software is already in active testing.

One UI 9.5 Test Builds for the Galaxy S26, Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8

A day later, Samsung’s internal October builds were spotted on its test servers. The find comes from tipster Fahad Ali Javed, as reported by Sammy Fans.

Device One UI 9.5 test build ends in What the letters mean
Galaxy S26 series CZJ1 C = third One UI version on the phone, Z = 2026, J = October, 1 = first build
Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8 BZJ1 B = second One UI version on the phone, Z = 2026, J = October, 1 = first build

Here’s why the letters are different. The Galaxy S26 launched with One UI 8.5 (“A”), got One UI 9 (“B”) and One UI 9.5 will be its “C”. The foldables launched with One UI 9 (“A”), so One UI 9.5 is their “B”.

These are internal stable-style builds. There’s no beta tag on them, so don’t expect a download yet. If you want to learn how to read these codes yourself, check my guide on the Samsung firmware version.

When Will the One UI 9.5 Beta Start?

Samsung hasn’t announced a date. But we have a very good reference point from last year.

The One UI 8.5 beta started on December 8, 2025, and the Galaxy S25 got it first. One UI 9.5 is following the same path, just with the next phones.

So here’s my estimate:

  1. One UI 9.5 beta for the Galaxy S26 series: late November to December 2026.
  2. More beta builds and more countries: December 2026 to January 2027.
  3. Stable release: with the Galaxy S27 launch in early 2027, then to the Galaxy S26 a few weeks later.

These are my estimates based on past releases, not official dates. Beta countries change every year, but South Korea and the US are usually in the first wave.

If you want to be ready, here’s how to join the One UI beta on a Samsung Galaxy phone. The steps will be the same for One UI 9.5.

What’s New in One UI 9.5?

No official changelog yet. From what’s been reported so far, Samsung is expected to bring design changes and more agentic Galaxy AI features, meaning AI that can do multi-step tasks inside apps for you.

I’d take those with a grain of salt until the beta is out. Point releases like 8.5 and 9.5 often bring more changes than the version number suggests, though. One UI 8.5 was a big update in the end.

If you’re still on One UI 8.5, start with what’s coming now. Here’s my full list of One UI 9 features.

Which Phones Will Get One UI 9.5?

Samsung hasn’t shared a list. If history repeats, most phones that get One UI 9 will also get One UI 9.5, because it’s based on the same Android 17 version.

That means the Galaxy S26, S25 and S24 series, the newer foldables, the Galaxy S26 FE and S25 FE, and a long list of Galaxy A and Tab models. You can see the full One UI 9 list in my One UI 9 device list.

Phones that are on their last Android upgrade with One UI 9 may or may not get 9.5. I’ll update this post once Samsung confirms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is One UI 9.5 based on Android 18?

No. One UI 9.5 is based on Android 17, the same as One UI 9. Android 18 will come with One UI 10.

Can I download One UI 9.5 now?

No. The builds spotted so far are internal test builds on Samsung’s servers. There’s nothing you can install yet.

My phone doesn’t have One UI 9 yet. Should I worry?

Not at all. One UI 9 is still rolling out. You can check where your model stands in the One UI 9 update tracker.

That’s it. One UI 9.5 is real, it’s in testing and the Galaxy S26 should be the first to try it. I’ll keep this post updated as more builds and beta news come in.

Which Galaxy phone do you have? Drop your model number (Settings > About phone) in the comments, and I’ll tell you what to expect for One UI 9.5.

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