Samsung has begun testing One UI 9 firmware for the upcoming Galaxy S26 FE. The news comes from a leaker on X who is generally seen as a reliable source for Samsung devices. The first build spotted is S741NKSU0AZE5, and the Korean variant carries model number SM-S741N.
The fact that One UI 9 is being tested suggests the Galaxy S26 FE will likely launch with this version pre-installed. It also hints at the release schedule: the phone probably won't arrive before the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Those foldables are expected to debut with One UI 9 at the July 22 event.
That timeline fits the Fan Edition pattern. The Galaxy S25 FE was announced last September, so a launch after the summer foldables wouldn't be surprising. Still, an early test build shows development is well underway.
An April Geekbench result points to the Exynos 2500 chipset for the Galaxy S26 FE. That would be an upgrade from the Exynos 2400 in the previous model. Leaked specs also indicate 8 GB of RAM, matching the earlier generation.
If these details are accurate, the Galaxy S26 FE will be more than just a cheaper flagship—it could be one of the first Samsung phones with the new software. The big question now is which One UI 9 features remain exclusive to the high-end models and which make their way to the Fan Edition.