Samsung Starts One UI 9.0 Testing for Galaxy A36 With Firmware A366BXXUADZG1

Q: Will One UI 9.0's best AI features be reserved only for Samsung's most expensive new phones?

Yes—based on Samsung’s recent rollout pattern, the most advanced AI features in the One UI 9.0 era are likely to debut on its newest premium phones and reach other devices, if at all, in a reduced form. The evidence points that way. Samsung is preparing One UI 9.0 for a broad range of devices, including the mid-range Galaxy A36, and the update itself brings many non-AI improvements such as customization, DeX multitasking, gaming controls, privacy indicators, and accessibility upgrades. But Samsung has repeatedly limited its full “Galaxy AI” experience to newer flagship hardware, while older flagships and A-series phones typically receive only selected features. That pattern appears set to continue. The stable One UI 9.0 release is expected to arrive with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, and related reporting indicates that the headline AI push—described as Gemini-based intelligence and more advanced assistant features—will be tied to those launches. Samsung also explicitly notes that AI feature availability varies by model. That does not mean cheaper phones get nothing. Devices like the Galaxy A36 should still receive One UI 9.0 itself if they remain within Samsung’s support window, and some AI or accessibility tools may trickle down, especially cloud-based ones. But the best on-device and most deeply integrated AI features are still most likely to remain a premium differentiator for Samsung’s latest foldables and top-tier Galaxy S models.

3 articles · Updated · SamMobile - Samsung news · Jul 6

Firmware version A366BXXUADZG1 has appeared on Samsung’s servers for the Galaxy A36, signaling internal testing of One UI 9.0 based on Android 17.
The build number points to a newer software branch than the phone’s current One UI 8.5, putting the update a step closer to public release.
One UI 9.0 is expected to debut in stable form later in July alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, before expanding to older devices in stages.
The update adds resizable Quick Panel controls, easier Samsung DeX multitasking, expanded Game Booster options, and new accessibility and privacy tools including a location access indicator.