What is the real point of One UI 9?
Before I installed the beta of Samsung’s upcoming Android 17 skin, that was the question I asked myself. Sure, the tweaks and tweaks were appreciated, but a brand new version? That felt like scraping the barrel.
After being seriously disappointed by Android 17 on my Pixel 10 Pro XL, I assumed it was more of the same here. And I was right – for the most part.
However, after three weeks of using One UI 9 on the Galaxy S26, I’ve realized the true game-changing potential of one feature. And it redeems the full update.
A real downtime
Managing mindless internet usage on a smartphone can be a challenge. Many of the apps we use every day are a double-edged sword: they provide essential connections and access to incredibly useful information, yet are designed to be addictive, to keep us scrolling.
The “solution” that many services offer is an outright ban. However, the ‘forbidden fruit’ effect shows that banning things often makes them more attractive. It also encourages evasion – something that is remarkably easy with some blockers.
That’s where One UI 9’s new ‘AI Network Guard’ feature comes into the picture. Instead of simply blocking apps, it disables the internet connection completely when you try to open a restricted app.
Foundry
Many of the most attractive apps, including social media, email clients, and web browsers, are completely dependent on the Internet to function. By disabling it, you strip the app of its addictive power, while leaving crucial tools elsewhere on your phone unaffected.
To begin browsing, I must be intentional and fully committed to the task at hand
I have found it to be extremely effective. While I’ve deleted all social media from my phone, I often find myself tapping Firefox out of habit, desperate for a quick hit of dopamine. If the One Sec app pop-up doesn’t stop me, AI Network Guard almost certainly will. In other words, to start browsing, I have to be intentional and fully committed to the task at hand, and that’s exactly how it should be.
If you want to keep TikTok or Instagram on your phone but limit usage to specific times, it can be even more effective. A web browser may be necessary at times during the day, but there’s probably no good reason to be scrolling social media when you’re supposed to be at work.
Foundry
However, to say that AI Network Guard is hidden would be an understatement. It’s hidden deep in Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi, requiring you to tap the three dots in the top right corner and then tap ‘Intelligent Wi-Fi’ five times to enable the ‘Connectivity Labs’ feature.
From there you’ll need to set a password, then choose your distracting apps and set a ‘downtime’ schedule for automatic restrictions.
I love that it can restrict all browsers and/or games, meaning you can’t just go to the Play Store and get around it. That’s exactly the kind of thing I would normally try. And while being hidden in settings makes it easy to overlook, it also makes the process of removing restrictions feel awkward. If you’re anything like me, this extra friction will be enough to hold you back.
With AI Network Guard, One UI 9 is a must-have in a way that Android 17 on Pixel phones simply isn’t
However, AI Network Guard currently has a fatal flaw: it is too inflexible. By having the same schedule every day, you ignore the realities of people’s lives.
Basically, many people would want to avoid apps during the week, but relax restrictions on the weekend. Currently this is completely impossible and it is a big mistake on Samsung’s part.
Foundry
With a simple scheduling tool (which Samsung has already implemented in multiple One UI apps), AI Network Guard could be the breakthrough screen time tool many parents (and adults) have been waiting for.
Not worried about screen time? Don’t bother
In my opinion, AI Network Guard is the only reason to download the One UI 9 beta now.
As usual, there are dozens of ‘new features’, but these amount to nothing more than a lick of paint and some new customization options.
There are new clock styles on the lock screen. ‘Tape’ to redact information in Samsung Notes. Thicker buttons and switches for quick settings. Oh, and you can now change the size of the media player in the quick settings panel. Really groundbreaking stuff.
Foundry
There are several dozen additions in total, but testing One UI 9 over the past three weeks I really couldn’t tell you what they are. I think this says everything you need to know about their meaning.
I thought Samsung was following the Android 17 playbook and focusing solely on minor tweaks and minor quality of life updates. But with AI Network Guard, One UI 9 is a must-have, unlike Android 17 on Pixel phones.
One UI 9 is expected to debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 on July 22, before rolling out to all compatible Samsung Galaxy phones in the coming months.
If you absolutely can’t wait, the beta is now available on all Galaxy S26, S25 and S24 handsets.
