Galaxy Note 9 One UI Beta Starts For Some Unlocked US Owners
Samsung's One UI is arguably one of the company's most anticipated updates and not all for good reasons. In addition to bringing Android 9 Pie to the table, it's also adding a rather controversial theme and a few controversial changes to the mix. All the more reason for both fans and curious onlookers to be excited to get into the beta program if they don't have the stomach for manually flashing firmware on their own. Good news if you own an unlocked Galaxy Note 9 in the US because word on the street is that Samsung has silently started its beta program for its most expensive smartphone yet.
This is pretty unusual on a few levels. For one, Samsung hasn't acknowledged, let alone announced, a beta program for the Galaxy Note 9 even while the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are well on their way to the One UI beta. In fact, Samsung has never really offered a beta for the Galaxy Note line, opting to immediately update the phablets to the next major version.
Naturally, keen users are biting immediately at the opportunity to get into the program, regardless of the risks or early reviews of the new user experience. An extracted Samsung+ app APK practically confirms that the beta is indeed going live for the US. Unlike in other markets that use the Samsung Members app for this, US owners need to use the Samsung+ instead.
It's not open yet for all, however. According to the report, only unlocked models of the Galaxy Note 9 are supported. Furthermore, it has so far been confirmed only for those on Verizon and Sprint. Other carriers and countries are expected to follow, when and if Samsung finally decides to make the beta official.
The Android 9 Pie-based Samsung One UI, a rebrand of what should have been Samsung Experience 10, is almost a complete overhaul of its user experience. It adopts Android Pie's love for rounded corners and dials it up to eleven. It will also be relocating key UI elements near the bottom to make them easier to reach. More recently, One UI is also reported to add another tap before you can start recording videos and, starting Android 9, will put a 14-day limit on free themes.