Samsung begins One UI 9 testing for Galaxy A24 4G

Samsung begins One UI 9 testing for Galaxy A24 4G

Samsung has initiated testing for One UI 9 on the Galaxy A24 4G, according to reports. The move comes shortly after the company released the stable One UI 8.5 update for the device. A build for the Galaxy A24 4G was spotted on Samsung servers with firmware version A245FXXUCGZF4.

One UI 9 is built on Android 17. While Samsung is working on the software for multiple Galaxy devices, the beta program has remained limited. Since its launch on May 13, 2026, the beta has been available only for the Galaxy S26 series in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, South Korea, and India.

Release Timeline and Hardware Debut

The stable version of One UI 9 is widely expected to debut around July 22, 2026. This release is reportedly tied to a Galaxy Unpacked event in London, where Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Galaxy Z Flip 8, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. These folding smartphones are rumored to be the first devices to run One UI 9 out of the box. However, Samsung has not officially confirmed the date or the event.

Following the initial release, Samsung typically follows a rollout pattern starting with South Korea, Europe, and the US. Updates for other regions, including South Africa, often arrive several weeks later. Carrier-locked devices may experience further delays compared to unlocked models.

Feature Set and Design Changes

One UI 9 is described as a refinement release that builds upon the Ambient Design introduced in One UI 8.5 rather than replacing it. Notable visual changes include thicker volume and display brightness sliders, as well as enhanced lock screen media player widgets featuring colorful waveform animations. Some media controls have shifted from rounded rectangular containers to circular buttons, and the lock screen media player now features a This Phone option for audio output selection instead of Media Output.

New functionalities include:

• Creative Tools: Samsung Notes adds more pen styles and decorative tapes, while the Contacts app utilizes Creative Studio AI for personalized profile cards.
• Interface Tweaks: The Quick Panel allows more layout control over the media player and widgets. Parental Controls have been moved from the Digital Wellbeing menu to a separate section in Settings.
• Accessibility: New features include adjustable mouse key speed, a Text Spotlight option, and an improved TalkBack tool using haptic and audio feedback.
• Security: The system can now warn users about high-risk apps.

Because the software is based on Android 17, it integrates core platform improvements. These include the ability to open any app in a floating bubble and a system-level contacts picker that restricts app access to specifically granted contacts. Google has also improved direct satellite connectivity for use when cellular networks are unavailable and enhanced distance measurement via ultra-wideband (UWB).

Device Eligibility and Exclusions

Samsung’s update policies create a clear divide in which devices will receive the upgrade. The Galaxy S23 series is the oldest S-series expected to be eligible, marking its 4th and final major OS upgrade. Conversely, the Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy S21 FE will not receive One UI 9, as they fall under an older 4-year update window. Similarly, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, and older foldables are excluded.

For the A-series, devices launched from 2024 onward are generally expected to be eligible. This includes the Galaxy A24 and the Galaxy A16 lineup, the latter of which benefits from a six-year update commitment. However, sources conflict regarding the Galaxy A54, A34, and A06 5G, with some suggesting One UI 8.5 may be their final major update.

The rollout also extends to regional lines. Expected M-series devices include the M56 5G, M55 5G, M55s 5G, M54 5G, M36 5G, M34 5G, M17 5G, M17e 5G, M16 5G, M15 5G, M07, and M06 5G. Expected F-series models include the F56 5G, F55 5G, F54 5G, F36 5G, F34 5G, F70e 5G, F17 5G, F16 5G, F15 5G, F07 5G, and F06 5G.

In the tablet category, the Tab S9 series will receive One UI 9 as its 4th and final major upgrade. The Galaxy Watch lineup will receive a separate update called One UI 9 Watch, based on Wear OS 7. This wearable update introduces Gemini Intelligence, Live Updates, and new Wear Widgets, though the Galaxy Watch 4 series is unlikely to be supported.

The stable rollout is expected to proceed through the remainder of 2026 and into early 2027, moving from the Z series to S-series flagships, then to A-series phones, tablets, and watches.