Galaxy S26 Ultra Gets First One UI 9 Build
▼ Summary
– Samsung has released the first One UI 9 build for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, marking a key development milestone for its next major software update.
– The build, identified by firmware version BZC5 for the global model, has a download size of approximately 2.6GB.
– This development confirms Samsung has begun work on the Android 17-based One UI 9 update for its latest flagship phone.
– Google’s Android 17 Beta 2 includes foundational improvements like enhanced app windowing, lock screen widget support, and better app adaptability.
– The new Android version also adds security features such as SMS OTP protection and introduces split notifications and quick settings.
Samsung’s development pipeline for its flagship software is already advancing, with the first One UI 9 build now appearing for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This early firmware signals that work on the next major Android overlay has commenced, even as the current Galaxy S26 series ships with the stable release of One UI 8.5. The discovery of this initial test version marks a significant step in the software’s evolution for Samsung’s top-tier smartphone.
The build was identified on Samsung’s own servers. It corresponds to the global model of the device, identified as the SM-S948B, and carries a firmware version that concludes with the characters BZC5. The download package is substantial, coming in at approximately 2.6GB, which is typical for a major new software foundation. This build is based on Google’s upcoming Android 17 operating system, aligning Samsung’s development timeline with the latest platform from the search giant.
Our team successfully installed this preliminary One UI 9 firmware on a Galaxy S26 Ultra unit. The installation process confirms the build is functional, providing an early look at the interface and system. Screenshots from the device offer a glimpse into the nascent software, though it remains in a very early developmental state with many features likely not yet fully implemented or polished.
This development follows Google’s recent release of Android 17 Beta 2, which builds upon the initial beta that launched the previous month. The new Android iteration brings a host of foundational upgrades. These include refined app windowing capabilities, the reintroduction of lock screen widget support, and improved mechanisms for apps to adapt to various screen sizes and form factors.
On the security front, Android 17 introduces features like SMS one-time password (OTP) protection and an Advanced Protection Mode for heightened security. The core Android experience also gains functional enhancements, such as split notifications and a redesigned quick settings panel. Samsung’s One UI 9 will eventually layer its own customizations and features on top of this Android 17 base, tailoring the experience for its device ecosystem.
(Source: Sam Mobile)
