Samsung rolled out new One UI 9 beta updates on Sept. 21 for the Galaxy A55 smartphone alongside the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch 8 series. The software is currently rolling out to registered beta participants in South Korea.
Key points
- Samsung rolled out One UI 9 Beta 2 for the Galaxy A55 in South Korea with camera stability improvements.
- The Galaxy Watch 8 received One UI 9 Watch Beta 3, while Galaxy Watch 7 received Beta 2.
- The smartwatch firmware bundles the September 5, 2026 security patch and resolves Always-On Display errors.
- Access remains limited to users enrolled in the One UI Beta Program through the Samsung Members app.
The releases provide bug fixes and operational refinements as Samsung prepares its mid-range handsets and wearable lineups for public software rollouts. The updates arrive shortly after the company initiated stable deployment for its primary flagship phones.
Galaxy A55 Receives Second Beta Build
Samsung issued One UI 9.0 Beta 2 for the Galaxy A55, carrying firmware version A556SKSUBEXI4. The update package requires a 403.66MB download and targets users who joined the beta program when it opened earlier in September.
According to the release notes, the update centers on improving camera stability. Samsung did not list any user interface changes or feature additions in this package. Users running the stable One UI 8.5 software based on Android 16 cannot install the update unless they register through the Samsung Members app.
Samsung is tuning its mid-tier phone software as broader testing for Android 17 continues across partner platforms.
Wear OS 7 Updates for Galaxy Watch 7 and 8
On the wearable side, Samsung deployed new builds of One UI 9 Watch, which runs on Wear OS 7. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic received their third beta release, while the Galaxy Watch 7 picked up its second beta build. Both updates bundle the Sept. 5, 2026 security patch.
The firmware update for the non-cellular Galaxy Watch 8 Classic carries build number L500XXU2ZZI4 with a download size of 243.76MB. The Galaxy Watch 7 update carries firmware version L310XXU2ZZI4 and measures roughly 229MB.
Samsung smartwatch development operates alongside wider system optimizations established during the recent Android 17 testing periods.
Always-On Display and Application Bug Fixes
The latest watch builds address several functional glitches identified by beta testers. Samsung resolved an error affecting the Always-On Display (AOD) on select watch faces, as well as an issue that showed incorrect AOD time data.
In addition, the release fixes bugs inside core wearable utilities. The changelog notes operational corrections for the Compass, Weather, and Now Bar applications. Samsung also applied general stabilization code across the system to prevent background crashes.
Beta Program Structure and Availability
The current firmware waves remain exclusive to registered members of the One UI Beta Program. For the One UI 9 cycle, Samsung reorganized its testing infrastructure by adding a unified One UI Beta Home inside the Samsung Members app, streamlining agreements across phones and wearables.
Eligible Galaxy A55 users in South Korea can install the update by opening Settings, selecting Software update, and tapping Check for updates. Galaxy Watch owners can update through the Galaxy Wearable app by navigating to Watch settings, then Watch software update, and selecting Download and install.
Samsung initiated the stable One UI 9 rollout for flagship phones last week, but broader deployment to mid-range devices and smartwatches usually takes several additional weeks. That staggered timeline mirrors the progression seen after major OS deliveries, such as the release of stable Android 17 builds. Samsung has not confirmed when the Galaxy A55 or smartwatch beta programs will expand to additional countries.
