Samsung’s One UI 9 update brings new features to several Galaxy devices, but it also marks the end of major Android upgrades for a long list of 2023 models. The Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 and several A-series phones will stop at Android 17, which powers One UI 9.
That does not mean these phones are finished. Samsung will continue sending security patches for the next few years, with 2028 listed as the final year for the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy A54, Galaxy A34 and Galaxy M54. The Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra and S23 FE remain scheduled for monthly updates under Samsung’s security schedule.
One UI 9 is the final major upgrade
One UI 9 began reaching the Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra in South Korea on October 14, 2026, before arriving in Europe a few days later. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 received the update in the US on October 23.
A Samsung support representative confirmed in August that One UI 9 is the series’ final major operating system upgrade. The original plan called for updates through Android 18, but Android 17 is now the final version for these phones. The Galaxy S23 launched with Android 13, so Android 14, 15, 16 and 17 use up its four planned upgrades.
The same schedule applies to the Galaxy S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, A54, A34 and M54, all of which end their Android upgrades this year. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series is also set to receive its final major Android update on this schedule. Samsung has not given the Galaxy S23 FE a One UI 9 release date, and it was not part of the first S23 update wave.
Samsung’s October 2026 security update, bundled with the stable S23 build, fixes 79 vulnerabilities. Samsung removes devices from its monthly update list when their support period expires, although some carriers deliver updates every quarter instead of every month. Owners of carrier-locked models should expect patches less often over the next year, even when their phones remain within the support period.
Those deadlines matter for services such as banking apps and work email, but the phones will not suddenly stop working when major Android upgrades end. Security support will continue through 2028 for the listed models.
What One UI 9 adds to the S23 series
The S23 update includes a more customizable Quick Panel, improvements to Samsung DeX and Samsung Notes, new accessibility features and a location privacy indicator. Samsung also lists the S23 and S23 FE as compatible with One UI 9’s AI-powered Privacy Alerts.
Several other Galaxy AI tools do not support the S23 series or the S23 FE. A compatibility table shows that My FanCam, Now Nudge, custom Now Brief cards and Call Brief do not run on those phones. The S23 Ultra’s Korean changelog lists scrollback for live Interpreter conversations in its Galaxy AI section.
You do not have to install One UI 9, but One UI is Samsung’s version of Android, not a separate app, so it cannot be removed. A third-party launcher can replace the home screen and app drawer, but it will not replace One UI itself.
One UI 9.5 may arrive on newer phones first
A One UI 9.5 beta build for the Galaxy S26 Ultra has appeared on Samsung’s Korean and US update servers. The firmware version is S948BXXU6ZZK3, but Samsung has not announced the beta or given a launch date.
One UI 9.5 is still based on Android 17 and is expected to launch with the Galaxy S27 in early 2027. PhoneArena expects the Galaxy S27 to debut the software, while the S22’s update history suggests Samsung will not extend it to phones that have already used all their upgrades. S23 owners should not count on receiving it.
The last point-five release, One UI 8.5, opened to testers on December 8, 2025. Samsung later launched it on the Galaxy S26 at its February 2026 Unpacked event. Samsung also released a One UI 9.0 beta on May 13, followed by the stable version with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 on July 22.
If Samsung opens the One UI 9.5 beta, registration will require a Samsung account and the Samsung Members app. The expected process is to open Samsung Members, tap the One UI 9.5 banner or beta card, and select Registration for One UI Beta Program.
Beta access will be available in Germany, India, Poland, South Korea, the UK and the US for supported phones. Samsung rolls out builds in stages, so the option may not appear immediately. Before installing, users should update their apps and back up the phone to a computer with Smart Switch because beta software can corrupt data.
Small changes coming with One UI 9
Samsung removed the all apps button from the home screen by default in recent One UI updates, but the option remains available. To restore it in One UI 9, long-press an empty space on the home screen or pinch the screen, tap the Settings button, then turn on Show Apps screen button on Home screen.
The button will return to the right side of the favorite apps dock at the bottom of the screen. It does take up space that could otherwise hold another favorite app. Users can also switch between Samsung’s three-button navigation and the other navigation option in Settings.
Samsung Gallery now offers Google account syncing on select Galaxy devices running One UI 9. The feature follows Samsung’s removal of Gallery syncing with Microsoft OneDrive in September, and Samsung says support will expand to more devices in phases.
To enable it, tap the Cloud icon in Gallery or open Gallery Settings and turn on Sync photos and videos. After signing into the same Google account on another Samsung Galaxy device and enabling sync, users can view previews of synced photos and videos there. Original files can be downloaded when needed.
The Gallery settings also include Free up space, which deletes original files from the phone while keeping thumbnails visible in Gallery. The synced files use Google account storage, which includes 5GB for free by default. That can reach 15GB after verifying a valid phone number, while Google One offers 100GB for $2 per month or 200GB for $3 per month.
Based on
- One UI 9 is the final major update for these older Samsung Galaxy phones — engadget.com
- Samsung One UI 9.5 Beta May Be Coming Soon: Here’s How To Sign Up For The Program — engadget.com
- Samsung One UI Removed The All Apps Button, But You Can Easily Get It Back — engadget.com
- Should You Make The Switch To Google Pixel From Samsung Galaxy? — engadget.com
- Samsung Gallery Now Syncs With Google To Back Up Your Photos — engadget.com
