Samsung appears to be fast-tracking the development of its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 FE. Recent firmware sightings on servers in both South Korea and the U.S. reveal that the device is already undergoing internal testing, running the upcoming One UI 9 interface based on Android 17.

The newly spotted test firmware, which ends with the build string AZE5, strongly indicates that the South Korean tech giant plans to ship the new Fan Edition phone with its latest software right out of the box. Currently, the One UI 9 beta program is rolling out to the flagship Galaxy S26 series in select markets, bringing significant upgrades under the hood. Users can expect smoother system animations, a revamped Quick Panel, heightened security measures, and an expanded suite of Galaxy AI features.

However, eager fans will have to wait a little longer. Since One UI 9 is slated to debut alongside Samsung’s next generation of foldables in late July, the Galaxy S26 FE won't hit the shelves before then. Industry watchers anticipate an official unveiling around September or October, perfectly aligning with Samsung’s broader rollout of the stable One UI 9 update for its premium device lineup.

Despite boasting the newest operating system, the next-gen Fan Edition might make some compromises in the hardware department. Multiple leaks suggest that the S26 FE will be powered by last year’s Exynos 2500 chipset, rather than the newer Exynos 2600. Furthermore, reports indicate that Samsung may exclusively release this Exynos-powered variant globally, meaning consumers shouldn't expect a Snapdragon version for this specific model.