A First Look at One UI 9: How Samsung’s Interface Will Change

By now practically everything is known about the new Galaxy S26, so for insiders it’s time to move on to Samsung’s next novelty. In the future of the tech giant there are the new foldables – rumored to debut in July – coming with on board One UI 9.

The brand’s proprietary interface’s new version has been the protagonist of the first leaks, with plenty of images and details on some features, thanks to the beta release.

One UI 9, first beta leak images: new design and the Ask AI function

The launch of the Galaxy S26 family is expected for the 25 February, together with One UI 8.5. By now the company’s strategic shift is practically official: the S-series models will arrive with the mid-cycle update while the main releases will be reserved for top-tier foldables, for the middle of the year.

Meanwhile the first tests with One UI 9, based on Android 17, have begun, offering a first look at the upcoming features. Obviously the timings are premature and things will change as progress is made, since several months separate us from the debut.

The overall style appears fresher and cleaner, while Samsung Internet presents a new compact search bar: it will be possible to enable an option for a less intrusive look, with the bar placed at the bottom of the screen and a minimalist layout.

Among the beta’s spotted features we find the Ask AI function: this is a feature integrated directly into the browser, which will allow users to ask questions about the web page they are viewing. The AI’s responses will be real conversations that can also be consulted again.

Very likely the feature will be exclusive to flagship smartphones with Galaxy AI, so let’s look at the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, together with the devices in the Galaxy S lineup. It also seems that this is a feature based on Perplexity AI: it seems obvious after what has been seen with Bixby “enhanced”.