Samsung One UI 9 Updates Notch Removal and New Tech for Smartphones Tablets

Samsung’s One UI 9 rollout excludes key smartphones and tablets, with leaked internal tests revealing a radical shift in design and feature priorities—including a potential phase-out of the notch on Galaxy Tab devices.

Samsung has confirmed internally that its upcoming One UI 9 update, based on Android 17, will not reach all existing devices, according to multiple verified leaks. A list of 22 supported models—including budget and mid-range smartphones—has already been compiled, but flagship devices like the Galaxy S23 series and Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series remain unmentioned, suggesting they may receive a separate or delayed update path. Meanwhile, early testing indicates a major redesign for Galaxy Tab tablets, with sources reporting the notch—long a staple of Samsung’s display design—may be removed entirely in favor of a new under-display camera or full-screen approach.

Leaked internal documents, first reported by Samsung Magazine and Gadget.ro, reveal that One UI 9’s development is already underway for lower-cost devices, including the Galaxy A series and Galaxy M series. The update is expected to introduce Android 17’s core features, such as improved AI integration and enhanced privacy controls, but Samsung’s selective rollout strategy has raised questions about long-term software support for higher-end hardware.

Which Samsung Devices Will Get One UI 9?

While Samsung has not publicly disclosed the full list of supported devices, Samsung Magazine cites internal testing confirming at least 22 models—ranging from the Galaxy A14 5G to the Galaxy M54—will receive the update. Notably absent from early reports are the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series, which may either receive a delayed update or a customized version of One UI 9 tailored to their premium hardware.

Industry analysts, including those cited by Vietnam.vn, suggest Samsung’s fragmented approach reflects a broader industry trend: prioritizing software longevity for mid-range and budget devices to maintain market share, while reserving cutting-edge features for newer models. A Samsung spokesperson, when contacted for comment, declined to confirm specifics but reiterated the company’s commitment to “providing timely updates to as many devices as possible.”

Why the Notch on Galaxy Tab May Be Disappearing

One of the most significant leaks from internal testing centers on Samsung’s potential abandonment of the notch on Galaxy Tab tablets. According to Samsung Magazine, early builds of One UI 9 for tablets include a redesigned front panel that eliminates the traditional camera notch, possibly replacing it with an under-display sensor or a minimalist cutout. This shift aligns with industry moves toward full-screen displays, a trend already adopted by competitors like Apple (iPad Pro) and Huawei (MatePad series).

While Samsung has not confirmed the change, the leak suggests the company is testing multiple configurations, including a new “punch-hole” camera placement or even a hidden front-facing camera beneath the display. The move could significantly alter the user experience for tablet owners, particularly those relying on gesture-based navigation or app multitasking.

What This Means for Samsung’s Software Strategy

Samsung’s selective One UI 9 rollout and potential tablet redesign underscore a shift in prioritization: balancing software support with hardware innovation. Historically, Samsung has extended updates to a broader range of devices than most competitors, but leaks indicate the company may now be consolidating resources to focus on newer models while phasing out older ones more aggressively.

For consumers, the implications are clear: older Samsung devices may face shorter update cycles, while newer models could receive more frequent—though potentially less comprehensive—updates. The potential notch removal on Galaxy Tab tablets, if confirmed, would mark a major visual and functional departure from Samsung’s traditional design language, potentially influencing competitors to follow suit.

Samsung has not scheduled a public announcement for One UI 9, but leaks suggest a beta release could begin as early as mid-2024, with a full rollout targeting late 2024 or early 2025. Until then, the company’s silence on device compatibility and tablet redesigns leaves key questions unresolved.