Every year, the same question sweeps through Galaxy phone owners the moment a new Android version gets announced — “Will my phone get it?” With Android 17 now deep into beta and Samsung already running One UI 9 tests, that question is more relevant than ever. So let’s cut through the noise and lay it all out clearly — which Samsung phones are getting Android 17, which ones aren’t, and more importantly, when exactly you can expect it on your device.
First, What Is One UI 9?
One UI 9 is the ninth major version of Samsung’s software for phones and tablets. It is based on Android 17 and brings new capabilities, features, and some UI design changes compared to earlier versions.
Samsung officially kicked off the One UI 9 beta program on May 12, 2026, starting with the Galaxy S26 series. The beta is currently available in the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, South Korea, and India.
When Will One UI 9 Actually Roll Out?
Here’s the timeline you need to bookmark:
- Beta started: May 13, 2026 (Galaxy S26 series only)
- Stable rollout begins: July 2026 — starting with new foldables (Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8)
- Global expansion for flagships: July–August 2026
- Older flagships and mid-range devices: August–December 2026
Galaxy S25 and S24 series are expected to receive stable One UI 9 around the same time as the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 in July. Galaxy S23 series, mid-range A-series devices, and tablets follow toward the end of 2026.
Samsung Devices That WILL Get Android 17 (One UI 9)
Galaxy S Series (Flagship)
- Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE (this will be the fourth and final OS update for the S23 series)
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables)
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 (will ship with One UI 9 out of the box at Galaxy Unpacked in London on July 22, 2026)
- Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 FE, Z Fold Special Edition
- Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
Galaxy A Series (Mid-Range)
Galaxy A56 and A36 are expected to stay in the loop, likely receiving the stable updates toward the end of 2026. Other expected A-series devices include:
- Galaxy A55, A54, A35, A34
Galaxy M and F Series
Affordable M-series phones like Galaxy M56 and M55 are said to be on the One UI 9 list. F-series devices, which sit below the M-series and get a shorter update window, are also likely to receive One UI 9.
Galaxy Tab Series
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Tab S series gets four years of major Android updates. Expected eligible tablets:
- Galaxy Tab S11 series
- Galaxy Tab S10 series
- Galaxy Tab S9 series
Samsung Devices That Will NOT Get Android 17
This is the part nobody wants to read — but it’s important.
As of early February 2026, Samsung officially moved the Galaxy S22 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 to a quarterly security schedule. These devices, along with the S21 FE and A53, are expected to stop at One UI 8.5 — Android 17 will not be coming to them. Samsung Community
Here’s the confirmed list of devices that are done with major OS updates:
| Device | Last Update |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra | One UI 8.5 (Android 16) — Final update |
| Galaxy S21 FE | One UI 8.5 — Final update |
| Galaxy Z Fold 4 | One UI 8.5 — Final update |
| Galaxy Z Flip 4 | One UI 8.5 — Final update |
| Galaxy A53 | One UI 8.5 — Final update |
| Galaxy S21 series and older | Already at end of life |
| Galaxy A-series from 2022 and older | Already at end of life |
What One UI 8.5 does not bring to these phones are the Android 17 platform features — multitasking bubbles, system-level App Lock, the new contacts picker permissions, and Android’s redesigned desktop mode, among others. So even if these phones get security patches for a while longer, the big new stuff is off the table.
What’s New in Android 17 / One UI 9?
If your device is on the eligible list, here’s a taste of what’s coming your way:
- Multitasking Bubbles — Float any app over whatever you’re doing
- App Lock at System Level — Better privacy controls built into Android itself
- Redesigned Desktop Mode — Smarter window management for productivity
- New Contacts Picker Permissions — More control over which contacts apps can access
- Material 3 Expressive Design — A refreshed look and feel across the whole UI
- Live Updates Notifications — Real-time tracking for rides, deliveries, and more
Other enhancements include better distance measurement between compatible devices using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and general performance improvements for gaming.
How to Join the One UI 9 Beta
If you own a Galaxy S26 and can’t wait for the stable release, you can already get One UI 9 on your phone right now.
The beta program started on May 13, 2026 for the Galaxy S26 series and is available in Germany, UK, South Korea, US, India, and Poland. To join, open the Samsung Members app on your phone, look for the One UI 9 Beta Program banner, and sign up. More devices are expected to be added to the beta in the coming weeks. Samsung
The Bottom Line
Samsung’s software strategy has changed dramatically over the last two years, and One UI 9 proves it again. The company is no longer just adding cosmetic changes — it’s building a smarter, safer, and more customizable Android experience.
If you’re on an S23 or newer, a recent Z Fold or Z Flip, or even a mid-range A-series from 2024 onwards, you’re in safe territory. Expect your update somewhere between July and December 2026 depending on your exact model.
If you’re still on an S22 or older — that’s genuinely the end of the road for major updates. Security patches will continue for a bit longer, but Android 17 won’t be coming. It might be time to start thinking about an upgrade.

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