Samsung hasn't even finished rolling out One UI 9, and there's already activity on the next version. Early traces of code and internal builds confirm that the company has begun development of One UI 9.5, the update expected to accompany the Samsung Galaxy S27 in early 2027. While an official announcement is still a ways off, the traces left on system servers and applications already hint at what's to come: greater visual transparency, a native app lock, and more advanced artificial intelligence.
According to leaks compiled by SamMobile and Android Authority, One UI 9.5 will be Samsung's second major version based on Android 17. It's expected to ship pre-installed on the Galaxy S27 series during the first quarter of 2027, with the beta program opening for high-end devices towards the end of 2026. Interestingly, development has already begun ahead of schedule, with internal builds being tested on the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Development and release date
The internal build for the Galaxy S26 ends in CHZ1, while a build AZH3 associated with the Galaxy S27 Ultra has been found on Samsung's servers. This indicates that Samsung is testing the update in parallel across several product lines , even before finalizing the One UI 9 rollout. According to SamMobile, the beta could begin in the last quarter of 2026, with several test versions before the stable release.
New features: app locking and more
One of the most anticipated new features is the native App Lock, which will allow users to lock individual apps with a fingerprint, PIN, or password without needing Secure Folder or third-party apps. This feature appeared hidden in the Android 17 QPR1 beta and is expected to arrive with QPR2, the foundation upon which One UI 9.5 will be built. Furthermore, it has been observed that shortcuts and widgets for locked apps will disappear from the home screen, and their notifications will be hidden.
Transparency and design
One UI 9.5 could introduce more semi-transparent elements in cards, pop-up panels, and dialog boxes. The pill-shaped floating bar seen in One UI 9.0 would gain a more streamlined and cleaner look. Truly dark icons are also expected when dark mode is enabled, a feature that was internally tested in preview versions of One UI 8 but was later removed. According to Android Authority, references to this option have been found in the Nearby Device app.
Artificial intelligence
The integration of Galaxy AI and Gemini will be deeper in apps like Calendar, Camera, Clock, My Files, Gallery, Samsung Health, Modes & Routines, Notes, Phone, Reminders, Internet, Samsung TV Plus, SmartThings, Wallet, and Galaxy Wearable. SamMobile points to more advanced automations powered by Bixby and Gemini Intelligence , with AI agents capable of acting more autonomously and providing more accurate physical activity tracking.
Compatible devices
Although there's no official list, Samsung's update policy allows us to anticipate which models will receive One UI 9.5. This would include the entire Galaxy S24, S25, and S26 family , foldable phones from the Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 onward, a good portion of the A series from the A24 to the A57, several generations of Tab S9 and Tab S10 tablets, and models from the F, M, and XCover series. This is an approximate forecast that will be adjusted before the official launch.
With development already visible on Samsung's servers and the first leaks coming together, the next few months will be key to confirming which of these rumors survive until the beta release . What is clear is that One UI 9.5 promises to be a significant update, with a much-requested app lock, a more polished design, and AI more integrated into daily use.
