The major One UI 9 firmware update based on Android 17 is starting to roll out to Samsung Galaxy smartphones. It is already installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, and will soon be available for the Galaxy S26 series. Later on, the update is expected for owners of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, as well as a number of 2023 smartphones, including the Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Along with One UI 9, users are getting plenty of new features for security, easier search and interface personalisation. Below are ten key capabilities to explore after updating.
1. AI Network Guard to limit internet access
One UI 9 introduces AI Network Guard, a tool that disables network access for selected apps. It was initially conceived as a way to protect children from inappropriate content, but it is equally useful for adults who want to spend less time glued to social media.
The setting is hidden in the Intelligent Wi‑Fi menu. In the system Settings, open the connections and Wi‑Fi section, tap the three dots in the top right-hand corner and select Intelligent Wi‑Fi. After seven taps on the Intelligent Wi‑Fi button, a Connectivity Labs item appears, where you can find AI Network Guard, set a PIN code and choose the apps for which internet access will be blocked. A separate Downtime mode is available to define time periods when the restrictions do not apply.
2. More flexible shortcut customisation in the Quick Panel
The Quick Panel in One UI 9 has gained extra customisation options. After swiping down from the top right-hand corner of the screen and tapping the edit button (pencil icon), you can freely rearrange elements, drag them into the desired position and resize them using the handles at the edges. The sound button now works independently of the volume slider, letting you control them separately. Additional items are added via the Add a control option.
3. My FanCam: keep one person in focus in a video
Another new feature is My FanCam. It lets you take an existing clip and create a separate video that keeps the focus on a specific person. This is handy, for instance, for school performances or sports events when there are lots of people in the frame.
To use the tool, open the video in Gallery, tap the Galaxy AI button (stars icon), and then select My FanCam. After processing, the system lets you choose the person to track, as well as adjust the framing and aspect ratio.
4. Custom cards in the Now Brief service
The Samsung Now Brief service in One UI 9 shows useful information throughout the day — for example, the weather or event reminders. Users can now create up to three custom cards. In Galaxy AI → Now Brief you will find the Custom cards menu, where you can configure personal cards with weather data, health stats or collections of online videos.
5. Motion Assist to help prevent car sickness
Android 17, and with it One UI 9, adds a Motion Assist mode — similar to the Vehicle Motion Cues feature in iOS. It displays moving dots on the screen while you are travelling, which is intended to reduce discomfort and motion sickness.
The feature is located in the Google settings: open Settings, go to Google services → All services → Motion assist. There you can not only turn the mode on or off, but also change the colour, shape and transparency of the dots.
6. Live wallpapers from Motion Photo
With One UI 9 you can now set Motion Photos as wallpapers — images accompanied by a short video snippet captured just before and after the shot. When shooting, this option is enabled in Camera with the button showing the letter A in rectangles.
To use a Motion Photo as wallpaper, go to the settings, select Wallpaper and style, then Change wallpapers → Gallery. On compatible shots you will see the Motion photo option, which you can then apply.
7. Finder search right from the home screen
The built-in Finder search, which was previously available in the app drawer, can now be placed directly on the home screen in One UI 9. This lets you find apps, files and other content on your smartphone more quickly.
The toggle is found in the home screen settings: in the Home screen section, activate the Show search on Home screen option.
8. AI Assistant Activity panel to monitor AI actions
The update adds a dedicated AI Assistant Activity panel that tracks the actions of built-in and third-party AI assistants on your smartphone — from booking tickets to analysing photos. This lets you see in one place exactly what tasks your assistants have performed.
You can access the panel via Settings → Security and privacy → AI assistant activity. Data can be viewed for the last 24 hours or the last 7 days, broken down by app.
9. Tape tool in Samsung Notes
The Samsung Notes app now has a Tape tool. It lets you overlay virtual tape over parts of your notes. This can be useful for revision, hiding confidential fragments before taking screenshots, or simply decorating your notes.
The Tape icon appears on the bottom bar when editing a note. You can change the colour and pattern of the tape, adjust its size and automatically align the elements. A separate button lets you show or hide all tape fragments on a note.
10. Warranty and Care: diagnostics and support options
A new Warranty and Care section has appeared in the system settings. It brings together several support tools: checking the device’s warranty status, subscribing to Samsung Care+, booking a repair, and running diagnostics on the smartphone. In addition, users can receive troubleshooting tips from the Bixby virtual assistant.
The One UI 9 update is primarily focused on making the smartphone easier to use and giving you more control over artificial intelligence, while also offering extra interface personalisation options for Galaxy owners.