Android Pie is now officially rolling out to Galaxy S9 handsets after being in beta mode for a little over one month. Device users in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now receiving the G960FXXU2CRLI version software for the Galaxy S9 and G965FXXU2CRLI software for Galaxy S9+. Users can access Settings > Software updates to see if their device has received the update.
The Android Pie update includes Samsung’s new One UI interface, which the manufacturer showcased during its developer conference in early November. Many aspects of the interface are meant for use with Samsung’s upcoming smartphones, including its Galaxy Flex foldable device. The Galaxy S9 models benefit from being in the proper update cycle to receive this UI revamp in addition to a new operating system.
Samsung has focused on making One UI task-oriented, with a simple, minimalistic interface to help users get things done with little effort and to keep their schedules in order and running smoothly. The interface also gives a glimpse of what users can expect from Samsung’s 2019 devices. Some highlight features include: icons for the lock screen, a night mode that turns the layout dark in dark locations, a recycle bin for the gallery app, and an option to replace the navigation keys with gestures
Samsung originally said the Android Pie and One UI update would officially roll out in January, so users are getting the software a little early. Still, Samsung is not apart of Google’s Project Treble initiative to help get new software on to current Android devices in a timely fashion. Android Pie has been available since August.
Samsung puts a lot of effort into cultivating its custom Android overlays that this rollout is likely another hint that users shouldn’t expect speedy updates from the device maker for the foreseeable future.
Rollouts for other countries will likely commence in the coming weeks and months. Currently, there is no word on when other popular markets, including Europe and the U.S., will receive the Android Pie update.
