• Source:JND
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Samsung has just begun its One UI 8 stable rollout but rumours suggest the firm is already laying more significant ground for its next big update. But now new reports suggest the One UI 9.0 will be succeeding an yet-to-be Nova ROM’d One UI 8.5 and may debut in company with Samsung’s future foldable devices, which is speculated for as early as 2026 alas only time would tell If it turns out to beso or not.

One UI 8.5 Spotted in Development

One UI 8.5 has been in testing for the Galaxy S26 series next year, for a few months now. Samsung’s servers have even received a One UI 8.5 firmware build for the Galaxy S25 Ultra in recent weeks. Now, leaked firmware floating around on the internet suggests something more — code in this build makes reference to One UI 9.0 as the next major release of Samsung’s custom skin.

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One UI 9.0 Based on Android 17

Report by SamMobile suggestsOne UI 8.0 and the future One UI 8.5 are built on Android 16, both of them.” But One UI 9.0 is claimed that to be based on Android 17 and we can expect more UI improvements, system optimisations and may new AI-driven features as well. While there's no information regarding the actual, details if just yet, a switch to a new Android base does mean big things done and dusted.

Expected Launch Timeline

Samsung has yet to confirm a release date for One UI 9.0; however, industry watchers speculate it could debut alongside its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip phones next year in keeping with Samsung's practice of providing significant upgrades with their foldable flagship models.

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Current One UI 8 Rollout Schedule

Samsung has already offered an official release timetable for those holding out for the One UI 8 stable update. But availability will depend on region and device support. Users can keep an eye on Samsung’s update section in Settings for the most recent status of the rollout.

Final Thoughts

Samsung has made it clear that it wants to stay ahead of its software planning game when it comes to keeping the Galaxy users updated. With the release of One UI 8 in progress and One UI 8.5 in beta, the very existence of Oen UI 9.0 based on Android 17 indicates that Samsung is looking ahead to its next development stage already. If the leaks are accurate, then Galaxy fans can look forward to such an upgrade when the first of the generation of foldables launches in 2026.