Now, it appears folks in the US are finally getting the update on their phones. However, there’s still a catch.
One UI 9 finally starts rolling out to some Galaxy S26 phones in the US
Galaxy S26 launched with One UI 8.5. | Image by PhoneArena
After delaying the launch of One UI 9 in some markets by a week, it appears that Samsung has started deploying the software in the US. Some Galaxy S26 Ultra owners have reported on Reddit that they’re getting the update, but it appears the rollout is still quite limited.
It appears that T-Mobile devices are getting the update, though some users say it’s not available on their unlocked T-Mobile phones yet. Reports from users on AT&T are still conflicting, but Verizon users say they still don’t have the update.
The update screen on a Galaxy S26 Ultra. | Images by RyzenRN on Reddit
While this may sound disappointing, seeing One UI 9 on some Galaxy S26 devices in the US is a signal that all users will receive it sooner rather than later. Despite the lack of an official schedule for the US, Samsung is very likely to ramp up the rollout in the coming days.
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When is One UI 9 for Galaxy S26 is launching in other markets?
After announcing the beginning of the global rollout of One UI 9 across devices on September 16, Samsung has barely given more specifics. The company published a more specific schedule for Thailand, which claimed that Galaxy S26 devices in the country would get the update on September 21. However, this date was later quietly changed to September 28.
This is another chapter in Samsung’s long history of surprisingly slow software updates and poor communication about its plans. The worst of it was probably the One UI 7 rollout, which was delayed by months. Considering the South Korean release and the beginning of the US rollout, it’s unlikely for such a fiasco to repeat this year.
Still, Samsung fans appear quite unhappy with the holdup. Users on Reddit from across the globe have been reporting they still don’t have access to the new software. Some of them decided to also report the update wasn’t available in places like Gondor and Westeros.
Galaxy S26 users are unhappy with Samsung. | Image by Reddit (screenshot
Why can’t Samsung learn from its peers?
Every time I see Samsung’s One UI release strategy, I wonder why wouldn’t the company learn from Apple and Google. Regardless of whether you own an iPhone 11 or iPhone 17 Pro Max, you could install iOS 27 on the day the software was released. Funnily enough, the release of the new version of iOS usually happens a few days before the new iPhones launch with it pre-installed, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8 arrived with One UI 9 months ago.
Similar to Apple, owners of the Pixel 6, Pixel 10 Pro XL, or any other supported Pixel device, started getting Android 17 the day of its official premiere. Google is more gradual with its releases, but things still happen in a timely and, more importantly, predictable manner.
Even the relatively smooth One UI 8 release took a while, and it was even halted weeks after the rollout began. Considering Samsung is the biggest smartphone company in the world, this feels odd. I understand that a global release for tens of models and hundreds of carriers is not an easy feat, and minor hiccups are to be expected. What I’d like to see from Samsung is just better communication.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is Samsung's first-ever passport-style device, offering a unique approach to the foldable experience. Right now, you can get the device with a maximum trade-in discount of up to $800. Alternatively, you can get it with a $250 Samsung Instant Savings, no trade-in required.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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