Samsung is preparing to launch the stable version of One UI 9 for the Galaxy S26 series following the rollout of Beta 7 . While new features from the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are expanding to more devices, hardware constraints are creating a divide in AI capabilities across the lineup.
The BZHK build signals a stable One UI 9 for Galaxy S26
A stable version of the One UI 9 operating system has been identified on Samsung's servers, suggesting that a full release for the Galaxy S26 is imminent. According to the report, the specific build designated as BZHK strongly indicates that Samsung is moving past the testing phase for its flagship series. This follows the recent rollout of Beta 7, which is currently accessible to Galaxy S26 users via the Samsung Members app.
The update cycle is also affecting a wider range of Samsung hardware. Samsung update tracker Tarun Vats has identified new One UI 9 beta builds for the Galaxy S25, S24, and S23 families. Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been spotted with both a stable CZHI build and a new ZZHL beta build, suggesting that last year's foldable may also be nearing a stable software transition.
Z Fold 8 features like My FanCam arrive via Beta 7
The Beta 7 rollout serves as a bridge,bringing premium software capabilities from the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to the broader Galaxy S26 ecosystem. These features are expected to be fully integrated ahead of the Galaxy Z Fold 8's official launch on July 22nd. The update includes a revamped Finder with Google Search integration and a proactive "Nudge" function that suggests logical next steps,such as opening a calendar during a text conversation about a meeting.
One of the most notable additions is the "My FanCam" feature. This tool allows users to capture wide crowd shots and subsequently use the Gallery app to spotlight specific individuals within the frame. As the report says, these features are being distributed to the Galaxy S26 and the mid-range Galaxy S26 FE,providing a more robust experience for users on more affordable hardware.
The 4GB RAM deficit leaves the S26 FE without Gemini Intelligence
Despite receiving many of the new software bells and whistles, the newly launched Galaxy S26 FE faces a significant functional limitation. The device will not support the "agentic" capabilities of Google's Gemini Intelligence, which are designed to perform complex tasks like booking restaurants or finding documents across various apps. While the S26 FE runs on One UI 9 and Android 17, it lacks the high-level AI autonomy found in more expensive models.
This limitation is tied directly to hardware specifications. Google's official requirements for Gemini Intelligence specify a minimum of 12GB of RAM, but the Galaxy S26 FE ships with only 8GB. This 4GB gap creates a clear distinction between Samsung's true AI flagships and its mid-range devices. However, the S26 FE is not entirely left behind; it still includes non-agentic AI tools such as Document Scan, Horizontal Lock for stabilized video, and the My FanCam feature.
Will older 12GB RAM flagships receive agentic AI?
The hardware-based restriction on the Galaxy S26 FE leaves several critical questions unanswered regarding Samsung's long-term software strategy. While the 8GB RAM limit explains the exclusion of the S26 FE , it remains unverified whether Samsung will extend Gemini's agentic capabilities to older flagship devces that already possess 12GB of RAM. It is currently unclear if these advanced AI features will be permanently walled off for the newest generation of hardware or if they will be made available to existing premium users.
Comments 0