While we are still waiting for updates on One UI 8.5, essential details about the upcoming superstructure became public One UI 9, built on the upcoming Android 17. The latest leaks reveal two key new features: Intuitive file sharing by physically touching the device and a surprising boost to widgets pro Bixby assistant.
One of the main attractions One UI 9 is supposed to feature “Tap to Share.” This technology, which revives the idea of the former Android Beam, will allow users to share content by simply placing the tops of two phones together.
- How it works: If you have Gallery open, Quick Share or the share panel and tap your device against another supported phone, the selected images, videos, or documents are transferred instantly.
- Sharing contacts: If gesture prodirectly from the home screen, the phones will automatically exchange business cards (contact profily), which is reminiscent of the NameDrop feature from Appyou.
- Conditions: Both devices must be unlocked. The exact location of the touch may vary depending on the specific phone model, which the system will notify the user of with instructions directly in the settings.
Samsung integrates this feature directly into its ecosystem Quick Share, and it is expected that, thanks to cooperation with Google, compatibility with other Android phones (e.g. Pixel 10). After integration AirDrop it, it'll be the next big step pro sending content between phones.
Gallery
Bixby doesn't give up
Samsung despite strong competition from Google Gemini continues to invest in its own assistant. In One UI 9 will see brand new Bixby widgets pro home screen. These widgets are intended to offer faster access to voice and keyboard interactions. It is another step in the revival of Bixby, which was launched earlier this year. prowent through an upgrade thanks to a partnership with Perplexity. Samsung is clearly trying to offer an alternative that will be more deeply integrated into the system itself and its native applications.
You might be interested in
Accessibility
According to the leaked screenshot (you can see it in the gallery above), Samsung could also add a new feature to the accessibility section of the One UI 9 introduce a new set of features:
- Text highlighting: It is a tool pro Improved readability. When you tap text, the feature highlights it and makes it slightly larger, making it easier to read and focus on. You can customize the highlight colors and text size.
- Shortcut added pro physical keyboard: For users with external keyboards (via Bluetooth or USB), this new feature will allow you to control accessibility features directly using keyboard shortcuts. So you don't even have to touch your phone to toggle these settings.
- More control over mouse keys: This feature improves cursor control when using the keyboard. You can adjust the pointer speed and also use the numeric keypad as an alternative way to control movement.
- Move "Replace swipe with tap": Samsung makes this option easier to access by moving it to the top of the menu.
- What's new in TalkBack: Although the exact changes are not explicitly stated, improvements to gestures, navigation, and overall user-friendliness can be expected.
Although it is One UI 9 is still in early development, but it is expected to debut alongside a new generation of foldable phones (Galaxy Z Fold8 to Z Flip8) this summer. The first official previews of Android 17 features, which One UI 9 is being built, we will probably see it in May during the Google I/O 2026 conference.
