Samsung has reportedly started testing the upcoming One UI 9 software on the new Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, signaling that the smartphone could launch later this year with the latest version of Samsung’s custom Android interface pre-installed.
According to a reliable tipster on X, the first internal build spotted for the device carries the firmware version S741NKSU0AZE5. The leak also confirms that the Korean variant of the Galaxy S26 FE will have the model number SM-S741N.
The development suggests Samsung is moving ahead with software optimization for its next Fan Edition smartphone ahead of its official launch.
Galaxy S26 FE Likely to Launch After Fold8 and Flip8
The appearance of One UI 9 testing on the Galaxy S26 FE also hints at the device’s expected launch timeline. Since One UI 9 is expected to debut with the upcoming foldable smartphones, the Galaxy S26 FE is unlikely to arrive before the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8.
Samsung is expected to officially unveil both foldable devices during its Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for July 22. This means the Galaxy S26 FE will most likely launch sometime after that event.
The timeline aligns with Samsung’s previous release strategy, as the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE was also introduced in September last year.
Exynos 2500 Chipset Expected Inside
Earlier benchmark listings on Geekbench revealed some additional specifications of the Galaxy S26 FE. The smartphone is expected to feature Samsung’s upcoming Exynos 2500 processor, offering an upgrade over the Exynos 2400 chipset used in its predecessor.
The device is also rumored to include 8GB of RAM, matching the memory configuration of the previous model. While there may not be a RAM upgrade, performance improvements are still expected due to the newer processor architecture.
Samsung Continues Focus on FE Lineup
Samsung’s FE series remains popular among users looking for flagship-level features at a comparatively lower price. With One UI 9, a newer Exynos chipset, and Samsung’s latest software features, the Galaxy S26 FE could become another strong addition to the company’s premium smartphone lineup.
