Android 17 has moved beyond the lab and is now the system driving the mobile ecosystem. The Android 17-based version of One UI 9 is already being rolled out in Europe , and while not all users will see it at the same time, this process confirms that the software has passed its most critical testing phase.
The initial focus is on the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra , which are spearheading the rollout. The South Korean brand has followed a phased strategy: first those participating in the beta program, then the rest of the devices, and later, other product lines such as the S25 series, foldable phones, and several models in the Galaxy A range.
A phased schedule with nuances depending on the market
The package, which has begun circulating in Europe and India, is initially reaching devices enrolled in the One UI 9 beta program. The build appears under the code S94xBXXU4BZI6 and is accompanied by the security patch corresponding to September 2026.
Samsung began shipping the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra on September 16th , while the foldable Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8 came with Android 17 and One UI 9 pre-installed. The remaining models will follow a phased rollout schedule that may vary depending on the device, country, and carrier.
This difference between markets explains why two Galaxy devices of the same model can receive the update on different dates. An unlocked device is not the same as one purchased through a carrier , and not all countries receive the same builds at the same time.
What changes with Android 17 and One UI 9
Android 17 maintains API level 37 and the codename Cinnamon Bun , continuing the tradition of naming versions after sweets. This release focuses less on major aesthetic changes and more on privacy, security, and performance.
General new features include improvements for applications adaptable to large screens , more secure network connections, HPKE hybrid cryptography, camera and multimedia content optimization, video recording with consistent quality, and support for VVC, also known as H.266.
There are also technical changes such as a new bubble bar in the taskbar, the EyeDropper API for capturing pixel colors, a contact picker with temporary access to specific fields, the Handoff API for resuming tasks on other devices, Wi-Fi proximity detection, and improved support for touchpads and game controllers.
The development schedule has been shortened: the Developer Preview is integrated into the Canary channel, betas are released throughout February and March, and stability updates overlap with that phase. The final version was slated for May or June , without a definitive date at that time.
One of the most striking features is MotionAssist. It uses animated bubbles at the edges of the screen that move according to the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and turns to reduce motion sickness when using the phone as a passenger.
To activate it, go to your phone's settings, then to the Google section, select All services, and look for Motion Assist under Personal and Device Safety. You can configure it to turn on automatically or add a shortcut to your quick settings.
The feature began rolling out in early September and is available on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 17. The Google Play Services update on September 21 expanded its availability to other Android phones, although the rollout is gradual and may take some time.
In One UI 9, Samsung adds tools like Now Nudge, improvements to Interpreter , document scanning, and voice recording. It also incorporates Privacy Alerts, which uses on-device artificial intelligence to detect potentially unnecessary background permissions.
Samsung: Which models are included and which are left out?
In the high-end range, the dividing line appears at a very specific generation. The Galaxy S23 is still within the necessary cycle to receive Android 17, while the S22 has already exhausted its promised major updates.
- Galaxy S26, S26 + and S26 Ultra
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra and S25 FE
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra and S24 FE
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra and S23 FE
The situation changes immediately with the previous generation. The Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra are excluded because Android 16 completed its run across four main generations.
Among foldable phones, the compatibility list includes models such as the Galaxy Z TriFold, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Flip7 FE, Z Fold6, Z Fold SE, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, and Z Flip5 . The Fold4 and Flip4 are excluded for the same reason: their update cycle has ended.
The Galaxy A series greatly expands the list, although support varies depending on the model. References include A57, A37, A27, A17, A07, A56, A36, A26, A16, A06 5G, A55, A35, A25, A15, A54, A34, and A24.
Less common families in some markets are also included. The M and F series include the M56, M16, M06, M55, M55s, M35, M15, M54, and M34 , as well as the F56, F36, F16, F06, F55, F34, and F15. The Galaxy C55 and the XCover7 and XCover7 Pro are also part of this lineup.
However, the fact that a model appears in these lists doesn't mean the update is ready or that all countries will receive it simultaneously. Compatibility indicates that it's still within the support period , but the final rollout depends on Samsung and each market.
Tablets, foldable phones and other devices that debut Android 17
The Galaxy Z Fold8 has been unveiled as Samsung's lightest Fold yet, weighing in at 201 grams, and featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and 12GB of RAM . It retains a 7,6-inch, 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and comes with Android 17 and One UI 9 pre-installed, along with Galaxy AI features.
Its battery is 4.800 mAh, with 45W fast charging and wireless charging, while the 256 GB version may fall short for those who frequently record video. It has been seen on AliExpress for €1.509 , a price that keeps it in the high-end category.
In tablets, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ come with Android 17 and One UI 9. The Ultra maintains 14,6 inches and the S12+ drops to 12,6 inches, both with Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz and up to 1.600 nits.
They debut the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 and improvements to the NPU, CPU, and GPU, as well as a 3D vapor chamber for better heat dissipation. The Ultra can be configured with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, while both retain a microSD card slot.
The productivity suite includes Multi Window, Samsung DeX, S Pen, and, for the first time on an Android tablet, pre-installed Adobe Photoshop . Samsung is also including six months of Google AI Pro and four months of Photoshop Premium Mobile, among other promotions.
The Galaxy Tab S12 will arrive in Spain on October 7th . The Galaxy Tab S12+ will start at €1.299 and the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra at €1.539, with up to seven generations of operating system updates and security patches.
Lenovo is also making moves with Qira, which will be available on select PCs with 16GB of RAM , Motorola devices updated to Android 17, and its first compatible smartwatch, the Moto Watch Ultra. The idea is to maintain consistency across computers, mobile phones, tablets, and wearables.
Qira will connect with Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Contacts, Slack , Outlook Mail, and Outlook Calendar via Workato, as well as with Notion and Perplexity. The platform uses a hybrid architecture that prioritizes local processing and encrypts data when accessing the cloud.
In the unofficial arena, the community has brought Android 17 to a Xiaomi Mi A1 released in 2017. Evolution X published its version 12.2 for the codenamed tissot , a device with a Snapdragon 625 and 4 GB of RAM whose official support ended with Android 9 Pie.
The upgrade doesn't make the Mi A1 a modern phone, nor does it mean Xiaomi has resumed support. It's simply a custom ROM that keeps a device alive almost a decade after its release.
How to check if your Galaxy can be updated
Being listed among compatible devices doesn't mean the update is available instantly. To check, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install , and Samsung Members may also display related notifications.
If Android 17 has not yet appeared, it is important to distinguish between two situations: a model within the support period can simply wait its turn , while a device that has exhausted its main generations does not become compatible because the rollout progresses on other Galaxy devices.
Before installing One UI 9, it's recommended to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network , as the file size is well over 4 GB. It's also advisable to have at least 30% battery; ideally, keep your phone plugged in and back up your photos and chats.
The Android 17 rollout isn't limited to a specific version: it affects phones, foldable devices, tablets, watches, and AI assistants. Europe and Spain are already included in the rollout plans , with Samsung as the main player, but also with Motorola, Lenovo, and the custom ROM community expanding the reach of this new generation of the system.