What you need to know
- Rumors on social media suggest Samsung has started testing One UI 9.5 on the Galaxy S26 series, as early builds surface.
- Builds were spotted for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, with tipster wondering if an official Beta Program could begin later in November.
- Recent rumors claim One UI 9.5 could introduce a glass design approach to Galaxy phones, similar to Apple's Liquid Glass.
We've had delays upon delays for One UI 9; however, rumors continue in November about Samsung's next major OS beta.
Recently, tipster Kailash on X posted a discovery that could indicate an impending beta for Samsung's next One UI beta for Galaxy phones (via SamMobile). The tipster claims that they found early test builds for One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26 series. Versions S948BXXU6ZZK3, S948BOXM6ZZK3, and S948BXXU6CZK3 reportedly concern the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.
Kailash points out that the "bootloader has changed." The S26 series jumps from "U5" to "U6" in the test versions. There's also speculation that Samsung's internal tests are ongoing, meaning we could see a proper Beta Program, where users can start signing up, "soon."
Tipster Tarun Vats also spotted these early beta builds, furthering speculation that we're on the cusp of another beta marathon. It's hard to discern any features in One UI 9.5 from builds alone; however, a few rumors touched on this before.
Get your phones ready
Tipsters on X speculate that the One UI 9.5 beta could start in late November. That lines up with what we've heard before. It's also been assumed that One UI 9.5 won't officially debut until April or May 2027. We hope this next version doesn't face the same onslaught of delays Samsung's previous updates experienced.
Currently, rumors suggest One UI 9.5 could introduce "shiny edges and visual depth" to Galaxy phones. Of course, we're talking about a take on Apple's Liquid Glass. Rumors claim a glass aesthetic is Samsung's next focus. Many elements are reportedly shinier or blur when placed over other objects in the UI. What's more, a tipster supposedly spotted "subtle backdrop shading" for that "visual depth" we mentioned before.
Additionally, App Lock was rumored to return in One UI 9.5, securing apps behind a password, biometric, or other verification method.
