Samsung took the Android 17-based One UI 9 software into internal testing for the Galaxy S25 series. The company’s 2025 flagship models were seen with the One UI 9 version on official test servers. With the detection of the first test build, the development process of the new major Android update for the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra has become visible. Android 17 work has begun for the Galaxy S25 series.
While Samsung continues to distribute One UI 8.5, it has started more extensive tests for One UI 9 based on Android 17. The Galaxy S25 series appeared on official test servers with the first internal test build of One UI 9. Since the software structure has not yet been deciphered, the version number and the changes it contains could not be clearly displayed. The first One UI 9 test build for the Galaxy S25 series was detected about two weeks before last year’s One UI 8 test schedule.
This early appearance revealed that Samsung has moved the Android 17-based interface update to the testing environment earlier than the previous major release. The Galaxy S25 series became one of the most important models in the One UI 9 tests as Samsung’s 2025 flagship family. It is the first phase of the distribution process, in which the company is expected to mature the new software on existing flagship devices first and then move it to a wider list of devices.
There is a possibility that Samsung will release the One UI 9 beta version for the Galaxy S25 family this month or next month. If the beta process starts, users will be able to try the new Android 17-based interface before the stable version. At this stage, there is no definitive information about which countries the beta program will open and which models will be in the first group. The company has also released two beta updates for the Galaxy S26 series on the One UI 9 side.
The stable One UI 9 version is expected to be available with new foldable phones at the end of July. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide models were also previously displayed on test servers with One UI 9 builds. Unlike One UI 8.5, One UI 9 does not come with major interface changes. In the new version, Samsung moves the interface to a simpler and simpler structure. The available information includes smaller changes that regulate the user experience rather than a comprehensive renewal on the design side.
The new version also includes feature additions. These include the Tap Share function for easy file transfer. Samsung is also working on new artificial intelligence tools for new foldable devices. It is not yet clear how these tools will be positioned in the Galaxy S25 series and whether they will come to all models. One UI 8.5 currently maintains its place as the priority version in Samsung’s update calendar. The company is expected to complete the One UI 8.5 deployment soon and shift its focus to One UI 9.
More Samsung models running One UI 9 are expected to appear on test servers as the official launch date approaches.
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