Hot on the heels of confirming the beta launch for its next major software iteration, Samsung has officially revealed the list of markets slated for One UI 9 early access. True to form, the tech giant is restricting this initial testing phase to a select few regions before rolling it out globally.

Specifically, the One UI 9 beta program will initially land in six countries: South Korea, Germany, India, Poland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. South Korea is expected to be the first in line to receive the update, with the US, UK, and Germany following closely behind. Remaining countries like India and Poland are likely slated for the second phase of the rollout.

Owners of the flagship Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra will be the first to get their hands on the new software. While Samsung has currently only earmarked the S26 series, the company is widely expected to expand beta access to other models in subsequent testing waves. Users in supported regions will be able to register through the Samsung Members app once the program officially opens. However, it is worth noting that participation slots are traditionally limited on a per-region basis.

So, what’s new in One UI 9? The update promises several notable enhancements. Highlights include revamped tools within Samsung Notes, a brand-new shortcut to Creative Studio directly from the Contacts app, and a refreshed design for the Quick Settings panel. On the accessibility front, users will gain the ability to adjust mouse speed. Security is also getting a significant boost, with stricter defenses against suspicious applications and potential malware threats.

Looking ahead, the first devices to ship with One UI 9 right out of the box will be the next generation of foldables, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Wide. In the meantime, Samsung is continuing its gradual rollout of the current One UI 8.5 update across various regions and diverse device lineups.