Samsung has finally announced its plans to update the Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note 9 to Android 9 Pie, including a new and enhanced One UI interface design. The official release isn't coming until 2019, but eager testers willing to put up with some issues and instability can use the now software by signing up for the One UI Beta Program. This is how you do it.
Products used in this guide
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy S9 ($600)
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy S9+ ($660)
- Amazon: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ($900)
How to get Android 9 Pie and One UI on your Galaxy S9, S9+ or Note 9
- Chances are you already have this installed. But check for an update anyway — this requires the absolute latest version.
- Open Samsung+, sign in with your Samsung Account, and accept the two following permissions.
- If the Android 9 Pie beta is open, you'll see a "notice" in the "home" tab to join the "One UI Beta Program."
- Tap the Beta Program notice, then tap Register button and accept any extra terms thereafter.
- Samsung rolls out the update in phases, which means you could be waiting for some time for it to arrive. It will take about 10 minutes to show up in the software updates screen once you've been selected.
As usual, there are caveats with the beta program. To start, the Android 9 Pie beta is only open to the Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note 9 that are unlocked, T-Mobile or Sprint devices — Verizon and AT&T phones just won't get the update at this time. Also, just because you register doesn't mean you'll get the Android 9 Pie update right away. Samsung takes volunteers to test the update, and then slowly rolls it out to small groups over time — so you may get it quick, or you may not get it for weeks after showing interest.
But so long as you've followed the steps above to register, and periodically check for updates, the One UI Beta Program will push an update to your phone at some point. Once the official Android 9 Pie software update reaches all phones, you'll receive that update as well — and be removed from the program until the next release, when you can sign up again.
A great phone at a palatable price that's ready for Pie
It may not have the secondary rear camera or larger battery, but the Galaxy S9 is a great value at under $650. It's still a modern and capable phone that competes with the latest flagships, and is compact enough to use in one hand. The forthcoming Pie update will breathe new life into it as well.
