Galaxy S26 series gets major One UI 9 beta feature update

Samsung has begun delivering a significant One UI 9 beta feature pack to Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra users. The update brings capabilities previously associated with Samsung's newest foldables, including My FanCam, expanded Now Brief functionality and smarter Now Nudge suggestions. My FanCam uses AI to keep a chosen person centered in video and can automatically reframe footage for different social-media aspect ratios.

Now Brief adds more customizable information cards and can surface security and privacy recommendations alongside routine-based suggestions. Samsung is using its beta program increasingly aggressively, allowing flagship owners to test features before stable deployment rather than waiting for the next major annual update. That strategy helps Samsung maintain feature parity across its rapidly expanding device portfolio. It can also generate useful real-world testing data before software reaches millions of devices.

The risk is complexity: as One UI accumulates more AI-driven suggestions and contextual services, Samsung needs to ensure that the interface remains predictable. The update began rolling out to enrolled S26-series beta users on August 28.