Samsung has commenced the first One UI 9 beta rollout for the Galaxy S25 lineup, giving owners of last year’s flagship phones an early taste of its Android 17-based software. The inaugural build is a hefty 3.86GB download. It includes the August 2026 security patch, along with a sizeable set of interface and feature refinements.
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One UI 9 Beta Reaches Galaxy S25 Series
According to tipster Tarun Vats on X, Samsung has opened the One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra in India, the UK, and South Korea. The initial firmware carries the ZZHL/DZHK version designation and requires 3.86GB of storage for installation.
The build also bundles the August 2026 security update. Samsung has yet to disclose a comprehensive schedule for the beta program. However, additional markets, including the US, Germany, and Poland, could join the testing program later.
Galaxy S25 FE Joins the Testing Pool
Samsung’s beta rollout has one interesting wrinkle. The Galaxy S25 FE also qualifies for the One UI 9 beta in South Korea, according to Tarun Vats. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Edge has been left out of the initial rollout.
Samsung has not disclosed when the Galaxy S25 Edge will receive its beta build. Its absence from the opening wave creates uncertainty about the company’s broader testing timetable.
What Does One UI 9 Beta 1 Bring?
Samsung’s official changelog offers relatively little detail because this is the first beta release. Still, the build reportedly packs several of the headline One UI 9 additions.
Notable changes include a more capable Now Nudge feature and a customizable Quick Settings panel. Samsung has also reworked the media player experience, adding another layer of refinement.
Tarun Vats has also highlighted several other additions hidden within the build. These include Horizon Lock in the Camera app, a redesigned Warranty & Care section, and Finder functionality associated with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
The first beta therefore looks less like a minor maintenance package and more like a substantial preview of Samsung’s next software generation.
Stable One UI 9 Release Could Take Time
Galaxy S25 owners should not expect the stable One UI 9 release immediately. Samsung typically staggers major software deployments, starting with newer flagship hardware before moving down the device catalog.
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to lead the One UI 9 rollout. Samsung’s newer foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, should follow. The Galaxy S25 family sits behind those devices in the anticipated sequence, with older compatible Galaxy models arriving later.
Samsung has yet to provide a firm public release date for the stable version. Based on the company’s previous rollout patterns, October or November 2026 looks like a plausible window for the first stable deployments.
Galaxy S26 FE Already Has One UI 9
The software hierarchy becomes even more interesting with Samsung’s recent Galaxy S26 FE launch. The handset arrived as the first Galaxy S-series smartphone to ship with One UI 9 pre-installed.
The Galaxy S25 family could therefore become the third S-series generation to receive the software, following the newer Galaxy S26 lineup and the Galaxy S26 FE.
How to Install One UI 9 Beta on Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25 owners who want to test Samsung’s new software must enroll through the Samsung Members app. After joining the beta program, users should open Settings, select Software update, and tap Download and install.
The beta remains test software, so users should expect occasional bugs, unfinished features, or inconsistent behavior. Anyone who relies heavily on their Galaxy S25 as a primary device should consider the potential trade-offs before installing an early build.
For users who enjoy testing new Samsung software before the wider rollout, though, One UI 9 Beta 1 offers the first substantial look at what Android 17 will bring to the Galaxy S25 generation.
