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Samsung’s One UI 9 beta rollout to Galaxy S26 series brings stronger device-level app and connectivity controls alongside UI and AI upgrades. A new Manage Unknown Apps page centralizes sideloaded apps for easier review and removal, while expanded Auto Blocker restores strict USB blocking. A hidden Focus Mode can cut network access for distracting categories (social, short-video, streaming), with PIN-protected anti-bypass measures and scheduled downtime for work or parental controls. The ~3.6GB Android 17-based update also delivers visual lock screen tweaks, Quick Panel customization, smarter Samsung Notes and enhanced Galaxy AI features, signaling a push toward security-minded, productivity-focused software.
Samsung has published the Good Lock modules compatibility list for the One UI 9 beta to help Galaxy S26 users assess which customization features will work after upgrading. The company says 16 Good Lock modules are already compatible, including One Hand Operation Plus, Sound Assistant, Theme Park, Galaxy To Share and Camera Assistant, while seven modules—QuickStar, LockStar, ClockFace, NavStar, Home Up, MultiStar and Game Booster Plus—are still being adapted. Samsung advises users who rely heavily on NavStar, LockStar or Home Up to wait for the stable release, and commits to making all Good Lock modules compatible before One UI 9 ships. This affects users relying on deep system customizations.
Samsung has begun rolling out the first One UI 9 beta to Galaxy S26 devices and introduced a new "Manage Unknown Apps" feature to centralize control over sideloaded applications. Located in Settings > Security & privacy > More security settings, the page lists all apps installed from non-official sources (outside Google Play and Galaxy Store), giving users a focused list to review and uninstall suspicious or untrusted packages. One UI 9 also expands Auto Blocker with security reports and restores full USB connection blocking in maximum restriction mode. By funneling trust decisions toward Google Play and Galaxy Store vetting, the feature reduces manual app vetting effort and tightens device-side protection against high-risk apps.
Android Authority’s teardown of Samsung One UI 9 beta (Android 17) firmware reveals a new focus mode that can block network access for distracting apps like social media, short-video and streaming services. Hidden under a Connectivity Labs menu accessed via repeated taps on “Smart Wi‑Fi,” the feature groups apps by category and cuts their internet access rather than merely timing usage. It includes anti-bypass measures—a six-digit PIN plus confirm, restore, reset and error handling—and a “Downtime” schedule to enable restrictions automatically for work, study or parental-control scenarios. The implementation aims to improve concentration by enforcing connectivity limits at the OS level.
Samsung has begun rolling out the first One UI 9 firmware (about 3.6GB) to Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra users in Germany and the UK, following the May 12 announcement of the One UI 9 beta program. The update, based on Android 17, includes the May 2026 security patch and multiple system-level changes. UI improvements emphasize a redesigned lock screen with layered and waveform visuals and expanded Quick Panel customization. Functionally, Samsung Notes receives smarter recording and editing features, and Galaxy AI capabilities are further refined, adding advanced image generation and speech-to-text enhancements. The release signals Samsung’s early consumer-facing deployment of One UI 9 features and AI enhancements.