One UI 9 rollout expands globally but faces boot-loop bug and feature gaps

Key points

• Samsung is rolling out One UI 9 to the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and A57 5G in Europe, Asia, and the US.
• A severe bug prevents some devices from booting after the update, requiring a complex Safe Mode and Airplane Mode workaround.
• One UI 9 adds My FanCam, Call Brief, and custom Now Brief cards to both Galaxy S25 and S26 series devices.
• The Galaxy S26 series retains exclusive camera features, including wider frame rate options and 24MP photo mode integration.
• The Galaxy S25 FE misses out on Call Brief but gains Quick Share support for Apple devices.

Background

Samsung previously launched One UI 9 in South Korea, with the global rollout now following. The update is based on Android 17 and follows a pattern of phased releases, with the S23 series expected to receive the update soon.

How outlets are covering it

PhoneArena highlights the severity of the boot-loop bug, noting that dozens of users reported issues across multiple device models, including the S24 and A57 5G. SamMobile focuses on the feature parity between the S25 and S26 series, detailing specific differences in camera capabilities and Galaxy AI tools. While PhoneArena emphasizes the negative user experience due to the bug, SamMobile provides a technical breakdown of the new features, such as My FanCam and Call Brief, and notes that the S26 series still holds advantages in video frame rates and photo resolution options.

Why it matters

The One UI 9 rollout is a significant update for Samsung users, bringing new AI features and improvements. However, the widespread bug poses a risk to user satisfaction and device usability, potentially delaying the full adoption of the update. The feature gaps between the S25 and S26 series also highlight the ongoing strategy of Samsung to differentiate its flagship devices.

What to watch

Samsung is expected to address the boot-loop bug with an official fix. The update is likely to expand to the Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and other devices in the coming weeks. The S25 FE and S26 FE will also receive updates, though with some feature limitations.