Leaked One UI 9.5 Build for Galaxy S26: Everything Revealed So Far

Samsung is already testing the next version of its Android skin—One UI 9.5—on the Galaxy S26 series, and leaks are pouring in. Here's everything confirmed from early firmware builds, including a native app lock, a fresh visual identity, and an accelerated development timeline that hints at a Q1 2027 release alongside the Galaxy S27.

Key Features & Changes in the Leaked One UI 9.5 Build

The leaked One UI 9.5 firmware, captured running on a Galaxy S26 by tipster Fahad Ali Javed, reveals several concrete changes. Here is the breakdown of what is confirmed so far.

Native App Lock: Finally Arriving After Years of Requests

The most significant user-facing discovery is a native app lock feature . It is accessed by long-pressing an app or game icon and tapping a lock-shaped icon in the popup menu . The feature uses the phone's existing screen unlocking mechanism—fingerprint, face recognition, PIN, or pattern—so no additional password is needed .

This feature was originally expected to ship with One UI 9.0 / Android 17 but did not make the cut, so it is now slated for the .5 update instead .

Redesigned Software Update Banner

One UI 9.5 introduces a redesigned banner for the software update page. The new design replaces One UI 9's circular motif—which spelled out the number "9"—with three curved pink lines, giving the settings page a fresh visual identity .

Cleaner Interface & Dark App Icons

Tipster Fahad Ali Javed, who posted the first live screenshots of One UI 9.5 on a Galaxy S26, described the new interface as "clean" and stated that "much has changed" visually . While full screenshots beyond the welcome screen and About page have not yet been shared, leaks also point to new dark-themed app icons coming as part of the visual refresh .

Underlying Android Platform: Based on Android 17

One UI 9.5 will remain based on Android 17, the same major version as One UI 9.0. This is a mid-cycle .5 update, not a new Android base, meaning it focuses on feature additions and refinements rather than a platform shift .

Expanded Galaxy AI & Gemini Integration (Rumored)

Reports indicate One UI 9.5 could bring expanded Galaxy AI capabilities and deeper integration with Google's Gemini services, as well as possible changes to Samsung's system applications . These features are not yet confirmed by firmware assets and should be treated as speculative.

Testing & Development Status: An Unusually Aggressive Timeline

Samsung has been unexpectedly fast with the development of One UI 9.5. Multiple test builds have been spotted on Samsung's servers:

• Model SM-S958U (Galaxy S27 Ultra): Build AZH3 was the first evidence of One UI 9.5, spotted by Fahad Ali Javed in early August .
• Galaxy S26 series: Build CZH1 was discovered by Tarun Vats around August 10, assigned to the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra .

This means Samsung is actively testing One UI 9.5 on both the current Galaxy S26 series and the unreleased Galaxy S27 hardware simultaneously . This development began weeks before One UI 9.0 even reached stable status on the S26—the S26 series was still on beta 5 as of August 12 .

Expected Release Timeline: Q1 2027 with the Galaxy S27

One UI 9.5 is expected to launch in Q1 2027, debuting as the out-of-box software on the Galaxy S27 series and then rolling out to the Galaxy S26 series shortly after . This cadence mirrors last year's One UI 8.5 timing—a mid-cycle .5 update that arrives with the next year's flagship S-series.

Important Caveats

• Samsung has not officially announced One UI 9.5 or any of its features. All details come from firmware leaks discovered by tipsters Tarun Vats and Fahad Ali Javed, and reported by SamMobile, Android Headlines, and others .
• The app lock feature, visual banner, and dark icons are confirmed from firmware assets, but the full scope of changes will only be known once Samsung releases a beta or official changelog.
• The Galaxy S26 FE firmware also hints at One UI 9.5, but it is unclear whether the FE will ship with 9.5 or get it as an update later .