Samsung just added millions more Galaxy phones to its free One UI 9 upgrade list, surprising some owners who thought their devices were left behind. The South Korean tech giant confirmed this week that the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy A57, and Galaxy Z Fold6 are now eligible for the stable One UI 9 rollout, joining a growing lineup that already includes flagship and mid-range models. The expansion covers devices across multiple price tiers, signaling Samsung's commitment to keeping older hardware relevant with the latest features and security patches.
Samsung's One UI 9 is the latest major version of its custom Android skin, built on Android 15 (and likely later iterations depending on release timing). It introduces deeper AI integration, improved multitasking, enhanced privacy controls, and a refreshed design language. The update has been in beta testing since early 2025, with stable builds beginning to reach users in select regions earlier this year. The July 4, 2026, announcement from Forbes confirms that Samsung is accelerating the rollout to cover even more devices.
The confirmed additions include the Galaxy S23 FE, a fan edition model that shares many specs with the flagship S23 series; the Galaxy A57, a mid-range workhorse popular in emerging markets; and the Galaxy Z Fold6, Samsung's latest book-style foldable. These join previously announced devices such as the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, and several Galaxy Tab models. Samsung's official One UI 9 roadmap now includes over 30 devices, and the company has promised that most phones released from 2023 onward will receive the update by the end of 2026.
Industry analysts note that this move could pressure other Android manufacturers to accelerate their own upgrade timelines. Samsung has historically led the industry in software support, offering up to seven years of OS upgrades on its flagship devices. One UI 9 also includes security patches that address critical vulnerabilities, making the free upgrade not just a feature boost but a necessary update for device safety.
Looking ahead, Samsung is expected to release monthly security patches for One UI 9 and expand the beta program to additional markets. Owners of unlisted devices should watch for future announcements on Samsung's official community forums. With millions of phones now eligible, the One UI 9 update is set to become one of the widest-reaching software rollouts in Samsung's history.
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Millions More Galaxy Phones Join Samsung's Free Upgrade List
Samsung's One UI 9 testing lineup grew again this week. Here's every confirmed device, plus a recap of what's already landed in previous updates.
Janhoi McGregor, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
7/10
Key Takeaways
- Samsung confirmed One UI 9 is now rolling out to Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy A57, and Galaxy Z Fold6 as of July 4, 2026.
- The free upgrade covers over 30 devices total, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series.
- One UI 9 is based on Android 15 and introduces AI-powered features like real-time call translation and smart photo editing.
- Samsung offers up to seven years of OS upgrades on flagship phones, outpacing most Android rivals.
- The expansion targets both premium foldables and mid-range A-series models, broadening the update's reach to millions of new users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Samsung One UI 9 is the latest major version of Samsung's custom Android software interface. It is based on Android 15 and introduces AI features, improved multitasking, enhanced privacy controls, and a refreshed design.
Samsung has confirmed over 30 devices eligible for One UI 9, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy A57, and several Galaxy Tab models. The list continues to expand.
Rollout timing varies by region and device. Many flagship models began receiving the stable update in mid-2026, with mid-range devices following later in the year. Check Samsung Members app for specific dates.
Open Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. If One UI 9 is available, it will appear. You can also visit Samsung's official support page or community forums for the full roadmap.
One UI 9 includes Galaxy AI features such as real-time call translation, advanced photo editing, improved Bixby, enhanced multi-window support, better battery optimization, and updated security patches.
Yes, One UI 9 is a free software upgrade for all eligible Samsung Galaxy devices. No payment is required; it is delivered over-the-air via the Software Update menu.
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Original source
www.forbes.com
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