Samsung is preparing to roll out One UI 9, a major software update that introduces a comprehensive agentic AI suite known as Forbes. The operating system officially launched with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series on July 22, and stable releases for a wider range of Galaxy devices are expected shortly.
Public Beta Rollouts and Timelines
Several device series are currently navigating the beta testing phase before the stable version reaches tens of millions of users. For the Galaxy S26, the fifth and likely final beta build was delayed by one week to allow for stability improvements and quality checks, according to Samsung’s Community forum.
The Galaxy S25 series is positioned as the next major milestone. According to Android update tracker Fahad Ali Javed, an internal beta build for the S25 has cleared Google Play Protect certification. This technical step typically occurs immediately before Samsung opens the public beta program to all users via the Samsung Members app. The rollout includes the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra.
Additionally, evidence suggests the public One UI 9 beta for last year’s foldables—the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7—is imminent. Samsung tracker Tarun Vats noted that the company briefly opened dedicated beta program sections for these devices on its India Community forum.
New AI Features and Functional Upgrades
One UI 9 introduces several AI-driven tools designed to automate tasks and enhance media creation:
- Now Nudge: A proactive assistant that suggests next steps, such as offering to open a calendar in split view during a text conversation about plans.
- Photo Assist: This tool now supports voice instructions in addition to text for editing.
- My FanCam: A feature that allows users to film a wide shot of a crowd and subsequently track a specific person within that footage.
The update also includes a redesigned Quick Panel with expanded customization options and a significant overhaul of privacy tools. New AI Privacy Alerts will flag applications that appear to be accessing background permissions or location data excessively. Users can also access an AI Assistant Activity log to monitor which apps the AI has accessed and the timing of those interactions.
Hardware Integration: Galaxy Z Fold 8
The software arrives alongside new hardware. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, which hits store shelves on August 7, features a “passport-style” design that is shorter and wider than the Z Fold 7 to improve one-handed use. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and 12GB of RAM.
According to Bobby Ochang, North Regional Trainer for Samsung Nigeria, the Z Fold 8 series includes a larger battery with 45-watt rapid charging capable of reaching over 60 percent in 30 minutes. Samsung has also tested the revised foldable construction up to 400,000 times under controlled conditions to ensure endurance.
How to Access the Update
Users can check for the One UI 9 update or a public beta invitation through two primary methods:
- Navigating to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.
- Checking the Samsung Members app for a Beta Program banner.
