Samsung One UI 9 Leak: New Bixby Widgets and Smart Assistant Enhancements Revealed

Recent developments in the Samsung ecosystem have allowed us to gain early access to test builds of One UI 9, which we have been putting through its paces on the latest Galaxy S26 devices. These builds reveal a variety of fresh features that Samsung is preparing for its next major software overhaul, signaling a significant shift in how users will interact with their devices.

One of the most notable discoveries within these Galaxy S26 test builds is the introduction of dedicated widgets for Bixby. Samsung’s smart assistant, which recently saw a series of functional upgrades in One UI 8.5, appears to be getting even more attention as the company prepares its next-generation firmware.

Reviving Bixby: Samsung’s Smart Assistant Returns to Center Stage

The new Bixby widgets in One UI 9 currently offer a streamlined set of tools designed for speed. Users can now place icons for the keyboard and microphone directly on their home screens, allowing for instantaneous interaction with the assistant. Furthermore, a new 4x2 widget has been added, featuring a dedicated text input bar for written queries and a microphone button for voice commands.

This move follows a period where Bixby seemed to take a backseat. However, the momentum shifted with One UI 8.5, where the assistant received meaningful upgrades including integration with Perplexity AI. This partnership allows Bixby to hand off complex questions to a more advanced AI engine, ensuring users receive more accurate and conversational responses.

The focus on Samsung Bixby widgets suggests that Samsung is keen to keep its native assistant prominent. While Google’s Gemini has taken a leading role in many Galaxy AI features, Samsung is clearly not ready to abandon its own assistant. Instead, it seems to be positioning Bixby as a specialized tool for device-level controls and quick searches.

As Samsung continues to refine One UI 9, we expect to see even more AI-driven enhancements. The firmware is slated for a full public release in the latter half of the year, likely debuting alongside Samsung’s upcoming 2026 foldable lineup.

What are the primary new Bixby features in One UI 9?

The main addition is a set of home screen widgets. These include quick-access icons for voice and text input, as well as a larger 4x2 widget that features a dedicated search bar for faster interaction with the assistant.

Is Samsung replacing Google Gemini with Bixby?

No, Samsung appears to be using Bixby to complement its existing AI offerings. While Gemini handles many broad AI tasks, Bixby is being optimized for quick device interactions and integrated with third-party AI like Perplexity for better query handling.

When can Galaxy users expect the One UI 9 update?

Samsung is expected to follow its traditional release cycle, meaning One UI 9 should launch in the second half of 2026, likely coinciding with the unveiling of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.

Which devices were used to test the One UI 9 builds?

The early builds were tested on the Galaxy S26 series, which serves as the primary hardware platform for developing and refining the next generation of Samsung's mobile software.

🔎 The evolution of One UI 9 highlights Samsung's commitment to providing a versatile user experience that balances its own proprietary tools with the industry's latest AI advancements. By bringing Bixby back to the forefront with functional widgets, Samsung ensures that users have multiple ways to navigate their digital lives efficiently. As we move closer to the official release, the synergy between Bixby, Perplexity, and Galaxy AI will likely become a cornerstone of the Samsung ecosystem.