Samsung One UI 9 Leaks Reveal Tap-to-Share and MTE Toggle

The recent One UI 8.5 has barely reached everyone’s phones, but Samsung is already deep into building what comes next.

Multiple leaked test builds of One UI 9, the Android 17-based update set to debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 in July 2026, have been surfacing fast.

And what they reveal goes far beyond cosmetic tweaks. The leaks point to a more capable, more secure, and faster Galaxy experience, with changes that could noticeably improve everyday phone use.

Tap to Share: Samsung’s Answer to AirDrop’s Best Trick

The headline feature across the latest leaked builds is Tap to Share, and it is exactly what it sounds like.

According to Beebom Gadgets, the feature lives inside Quick Share and uses NFC to let you transfer images, videos, files, and contact cards by simply tapping your Galaxy phone against another compatible device.

No searching for nearby devices, no menu navigation, no waiting for a Bluetooth pairing to kick in.

The findings also reveal a similar feature called “Gesture Exchange” in Google Play Services, while Android 17 Canary builds reference a system-level service called Tap To Share, suggesting it could extend beyond Samsung to all Android devices.

It is similar to how Apple’s NameDrop works, but built at the Android platform level.

On Galaxy S26 devices, Samsung is reportedly using a dual NFC antenna, one on the back and one on the top edge, to improve tap detection regardless of how the phone is held.

What Else Is Confirmed in the Leaked Builds

The Tap to Share headlines are only part of the story.

Across multiple One UI 9 test builds surfaced by Android Authority, here is the full picture of what Samsung is building:

Bixby home screen widgets: New 2×1, 2×2, and 4×1 options giving you a microphone icon for voice commands, a keyboard for typed input, and a full input box in the largest size
Warranty and Care menu: A centralized hub in Settings pulling together warranty status, repair info, device diagnostics, and remote support, all in one accessible place
Larger Quick Panel controls: Brightness and volume sliders are growing bigger for easier touch targeting, especially on larger displays
Select to Speak: A new accessibility feature that lets you highlight text anywhere on your phone and tap play to hear it read aloud
Text Spotlight: Another accessibility addition improving focus and navigation for users who rely on screen interaction

Samsung’s Hidden MTE Security Feature

One of the most significant leaks comes from an APK teardown of Samsung’s Auto Blocker app.

Buried in One UI 9 test code is a toggle for Memory Tagging Extension (MTE), an ARM v9 hardware feature that actively tags memory blocks on your phone and shuts down unauthorized access, data corruption, and security exploits the moment they happen.

Buried in One UI 9 test code is a toggle for Memory Tagging Extension (MTE), an ARM v9 hardware feature designed for modern smartphones. It actively tags memory blocks on your device and stops unauthorized access, data corruption, and security exploits the moment they happen.

MTE will require a reboot to enable, and Samsung openly notes it may slightly reduce performance, but the security gain is substantial.

Where similar features were previously buried in developer settings or locked to Pixel devices, Samsung is bringing the toggle directly into Auto Blocker, making it accessible to everyday users for the first time on Galaxy hardware.

When Will One UI 9 Arrive?

Samsung is internally testing One UI 9 on the Galaxy S26 Ultra right now. A public beta is expected around May or June 2026, with the stable release tied to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 launch in July.

All leaked features remain subject to change before the final build ships.

Source: Samsung’s next major update