Samsung rolled out the stable One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy A16 5G last month. The company has now started testing the Android 17-based One UI 9 version on the device. The new software appearing on Samsung servers shows that preparations for the next major update for the entry-level model are continuing.
The resulting test version carries firmware number A166BXXU8EZF1. It is stated that the version in question was developed for the European market. However, just because the testing phase has started does not mean that the update will reach users soon. Galaxy A16 5G owners may have to wait a while longer to get One UI 9, as priority is given to flagship models in Samsung’s update calendar.
The company recently launched the One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 series. Therefore, the stable version of the new Android 17-based interface is expected to reach the Galaxy S26 family first. Samsung’s update policy in the past years also shows that new Android versions are first made available on upper segment devices.
One UI 9 may be offered first on new foldable models
Samsung had previously announced that its new generation foldable phones would come with One UI 9 out of the box. This indicates that the new Android 17-based interface may meet users on these devices for the first time. The company is expected to introduce three different foldable models this year.
According to claims circulating in the industry, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra models will be introduced at an event to be held in London on July 22. Although official confirmation has not yet arrived, it is seen as an expected development that Samsung will announce its new foldable devices at the traditional Galaxy Unpacked event in the summer. The fact that these models come with One UI 9 may allow Samsung to highlight its new features before the software spreads to the wider device ecosystem.
On the other hand, Galaxy A16 5G is not the only model on which One UI 9 is being worked on. It seems that Samsung continues to test new versions in different product segments. It is stated that the company has also made One UI 9 developments for the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy A17 5G, Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A57. In addition, it is stated that the testing work for the Galaxy S26 FE model, which has not been announced yet, continues.
Samsung has not yet shared detailed information about the innovations that Android 17-based One UI 9 will bring. Despite this, the spread of the tests to different devices shows that the company is accelerating its work on the new version. Although it is not clear when the update will be available for Galaxy A16 5G users, the first test version seen on the servers confirms that the device is included in the update plans. In the meantime, new beta versions and software leaks may reveal more details about the features of One UI 9.