One UI 9 could bring glassy visual effects to Galaxy phones and tablets

Samsung introduced a major UI redesign with the Android 15-based One UI 7.0 update. With One UI 8.5, the company is bringing even more visual changes, including pill-shaped bottom tab bars and glass-like visual effects for some UI elements. Android 17-based One UI 9.0 could introduce even more glass inspired design elements to Galaxy phones and tablets.

Ahead of the release of Android 17's first developer beta version, some of its features and design changes have leaked. Google is reportedly (via 9To5Google) implementing translucent, glass-like visual effects for various system elements. These effects include background blur and are distinct from Apple’s ‘Liquid Glass' design language, which was introduced last year with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.

These background blur effects appear in the Quick Panel, volume sliders (compact and expanded forms), the power menu, and the notifications section. The wallpaper remains visible in the background, creating a layered look. These UI elements also adopt Android’s Dynamic Color (Samsung's Color Palette) system, which applies colors to UI elemenets based on the home screen wallpaper.

Android 17 could also bring screen recording improvements. Users will reportedly be able to draw over a screen recording, show touch indicators, and choose whether to record audio from the device, the microphone, or both. The system also displays the elapsed recording time in a pill-shaped bar in the status bar at the top of the screen. Once a recording is complete, users can delete, edit, or share the clip.

In addition, Google seems to be developing a simple app lock feature. If it makes its way into Android 17, Samsung could integrate it into One UI 9.0 for Galaxy phones and tablets. This is a feature Galaxy users have been requesting for years.

Google is expected to release Android 17 Developer Beta 1 in the first quarter of this year, followed by the final stable release in mid-2026.

Note: The fourth screenshot in this article has been edited to create a full-sized screenshot.