In Spain and Europe, the question is twofold: which devices will receive it and when can it be installed safely? In some cases, the date and price in Spain are still unconfirmed, while in others the update is already in the testing or phased rollout phases. It's important to distinguish between official updates and those arriving through alternative channels.
One UI 9, Samsung's gateway to Android 17
Samsung has made Android 17 the foundation of One UI 9. The beta version was first released for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra , and subsequent beta versions for technical specifications have since appeared. The company doesn't usually give an exact date, but everything points to the stable release arriving after summer, starting with the most recent models and leaving the mid-range and entry-level models for later.
Among the most discussed changes are a lock screen with more freedom for widgets, a more capable Now Brief, and new security limits inherited from Android 17. There's also talk of improvements to multitasking , smoother gaming performance, UWB connectivity, and satellite connection support. Additionally, some bug fixes from One UI 8.5 have been implemented.
The list of new features expands with Samsung Notes and its creative tools, Contacts with access to Creative Studio, and a more configurable Quick Panel for brightness, sound, and multimedia. In terms of accessibility, Samsung has unified TalkBack features that were previously separate and added highlighted text for easier reading. Other additions include alerts and blocks for high-risk apps , a simplified About phone menu, multi-touch gestures in Good Lock, a blue location dot in the status bar, app-based internet blocking with AI Network Guard, and universal floating bubbles.
Those who have tried the betas mention smoother animations, glass-effect transparencies, more widgets in FlexWindow, AI tools in Gallery and editor, automatic coupons and Ask AI in Samsung Internet, a more user-friendly DeX, improvements to sharing with Quick Share, clearer call notifications, and a Warranty and Care app. Bixby gains prominence on the home screen, and Galaxy AI adds features like Now Nudge, My FanCam, Photo Assist, and Now Brief.
Compatibility is broad, although it doesn't cover the entire catalog. Samsung Members is the recommended way to check if a device is included. The listed models include:
- Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra from the beta version.
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra and S25 Edge.
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra and S24 FE.
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra and S23 FE.
- Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5 and Z Flip FE.
- Galaxy A57, A56, A55, A54, A37, A36, A35, A34, A26, A25, A24, A17, A16, A15 and A07.
- Galaxy M56, M55s, M55, M54, M34, M16, M15 and M06.
- Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, Tab S11, Tab S10+, Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10 FE, Tab S9, Tab S9+, Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9 FE, Tab Active 5 and Active 5 Pro.
To update, you'll usually go to Settings, find Software Update, and tap Download and Install. If a notification appears, the update will download and install, and your phone may restart one or more times. Although apps and files are preserved, backing up your data beforehand is still the safest course of action.
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+: Android 17 with premium finish
Samsung has also unveiled the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+, two tablets that come with Android 17 and One UI 9. The Ultra maintains a massive 14,6-inch screen , measuring 208,5 x 326,3 mm and only 5,1 mm thick. The S12+ is smaller at 12,6 inches and measures 187,8 x 289,5 x 5,3 mm. The former weighs around 692 grams in Wi-Fi mode and 695 grams in 5G mode; the latter weighs 553 or 555 grams. Both are IP68 certified and include the S Pen, although the stylus does not have Bluetooth.
The displays are Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Ultra offers 2.960 x 1.848 pixels, while the Plus has 2.800 x 1.752 pixels, with a peak brightness of 1.600 nits and 1.000 nits in high-brightness mode. Vision Booster adjusts the image according to ambient light, and the multimedia package is completed with four speakers and four-channel spatial audio.
The brain of both is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 , manufactured using a 3-nanometer process. Samsung compares the new NPU to the previous generation and claims up to 61% more performance, 19% in CPU and 17% in GPU. These are the manufacturer's figures, not from independent testing. A three-dimensional vapor chamber helps dissipate heat during long sessions. The Ultra can be configured with 12GB of RAM with 256GB or 512GB of storage, or 16GB with 1TB of storage; the Plus comes with 12GB of RAM with 256GB or 512GB of storage. Both retain a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 2TB.
Connectivity differs: the Ultra features WiFi 7, while the Plus uses WiFi 6E. Both have Bluetooth 6.0 and 5G versions, with availability depending on the market. The Ultra's battery is 11.600 mAh , and the S12+'s is 10.600 mAh, offering up to 23 and 21 hours of video playback, respectively. Both support 45W fast charging, and Samsung estimates a 95-minute charge from 0% to 100% using the included adapter, which is sold separately.
The software includes Multi Window for keeping up to three apps on screen, Samsung DeX for working with multiple desktops, and Note Assist for summarizing notes, provided they are at least 200 characters long. Samsung is adding six months of Google AI Pro to some promotions, an optional Pro Keyboard with a Galaxy AI key, and, for the first time on an Android tablet, pre-installed Photoshop with S Pen support. The initial distribution of Photoshop will be available through the Galaxy Store for at least six months, starting October 7. Also mentioned are Notability, Goodnotes, LumaFusion, Notion, Clip Studio Paint, MyScript Notes, MyScript Math, Noteshelf 3, and ArcSite, with trials and discounts that may vary by country.
In terms of cameras, the Ultra features a 13MP main rear sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor; the S12+ retains the 13MP main sensor but omits the ultra-wide sensor. Both have a 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The announced finishes are gray and silver. Sales are scheduled to begin on October 7th in select markets, but no official price for Spain has been confirmed in the information consulted, so we'll have to wait for Samsung to provide local pricing details.
Advanced Protection in Android 17: Six Security Barriers
Google has unveiled six Advanced Protection features for Android 17. This is not the same as the advanced protection program for a Google account; it's a set of device settings activated from a single control. The company introduced it with Android 16 and is now expanding it with six additional features designed for users at higher risk.
The first is Accessibility Protection, which restricts access to AccessibilityService to applications verified and classified as accessibility tools when protection is enabled. This aims to prevent apps from outside the accessibility sector from using these sensitive permissions.
Intrusion logging requires manual activation. Google stores end-to-end encrypted security and network events in the cloud, accessible only to the user, and retains them for a rolling period of 12 months before automatically deleting them.
USB Protection changes the behavior when the phone is locked: new connections are only used for charging by default , while those already established before the device was locked remain active. Google indicates that it is available on Pixel 6 and later, as well as some Android 17 devices, and warns that hardware may affect details such as charging speed.
The other three measures are Disable WebGPU, which disables WebGPU in Chrome when the mode is active; Failed Authentication Lock, which locks the device after several failed authentication attempts in Settings or protected apps; and View Supporting Apps, a screen that shows which installed apps check the Advanced Protection status. Google also notes that developers may receive a notification when the mode is activated.
Motorola rolls out Android 17 to more than 50 models
Motorola has begun the official rollout of Android 17 to its lineup. The update will affect more than 50 models across the Razr, Edge, and Moto G families throughout 2026, though in stages. Foldable phones and high-end models typically receive the update first, while entry-level Moto G devices will receive it in stages toward the end of the year and the beginning of the next.
One of the most noticeable visual changes is the addition of stackable widgets : several elements, such as weather, calendar, battery, and music player, are grouped into a single block and can be toggled by swiping. Also included are Live Updates for real-time information, automatic summaries of long conversations, and machine learning-based categorization to send automatic promotions and notifications to inactive folders.
In Settings, under Connected Devices, you'll find Tap to Share for sending files by simply bringing two devices close together, and Quick Drop for creating reusable groups and sending content to multiple recipients at once. Motorola has added themed icons, a Classic-style Quick Settings panel to hide text, and HDR brightness control that limits automatic brightness when viewing videos or images in dark environments.
Security is enhanced with AI- powered mechanisms to combat malware, phishing, and data breaches. The goal is to reduce suspicious pop-ups and filter deceptive messages before they reach your inbox. Performance improvements include smoother app transitions, optimized battery thermal management, and the inclusion of security patches.
The confirmed list includes models such as Razr 70 Ultra, Razr 70 Plus, Razr 70, Razr Ultra 2026, Razr+ 2026, Razr 2026, Razr Fold 2026/2025, Razr 60 Ultra, Razr 60s, Razr 60d, Razr 60, Razr Ultra 2025, Razr+ 2025, Razr 2025, Razr 50 Ultra and Razr+ 2024. The Edge series includes Edge 2026, Edge 70 Pro+, Edge 70 Pro, Edge 70 Max, Edge 70 Neo, Edge 70 Plus, Edge 70 Fusion+, Edge 70 Fusion, Edge 70, Edge 2025, Edge 60 Stylus, Edge 60 Pro, Edge 60 Fusion, Edge 60 and Edge 50 Ultra. The Moto G family is also on the schedule, although its arrival will be more gradual.
Android 17 is also coming to a Xiaomi Mi A1 via the community route
The Xiaomi Mi A1 is one of those phones that the community has refused to let die. Released in 2017, it reached its end of official support with Android 9 Pie, but now there's an Android 17 build thanks to Evolution X. The jump is remarkable because the device uses a Snapdragon 625 and 4GB of RAM, a combination that, on paper, doesn't seem well-suited to current software.
The version responsible is Evolution X 12.2, codenamed tissot , released on September 28th as EvolutionX-17.0-20260928-tissot-12.2-Official. Until recently, the official build available was Evolution X 11.11 based on Android 16, so the upgrade to Android 17 was almost immediate. The Mi A1 launched with Android 7.1 Nougat, and its relationship with Evolution X dates back to 2019.
The work involves more than just installing a new version. Developers have had to adapt the partition table, reallocate cache sectors to make room for the system images, and bridge the gap between older Linux kernel drivers (versions 3.18 and 4.9) and the modern Android interface. This is what allows the mobile network, sensors, and camera to function. The 4 GB of RAM utilizes ZRAM compression, which prevents unexpected system crashes.
Performance isn't ideal: there's lag when navigating settings, and it's not suitable for using the Mi A1 as a primary phone . Furthermore, the hardware is showing wear and tear, and replacement parts are becoming increasingly scarce. Even so, this exercise serves as a reminder that custom ROMs keep alive a tradition that has lost ground as manufacturers have extended their update policies.
The Nvidia Shield TV set the bar for official support with ten years of updates. Google, Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi have since increased their commitments to seven years in some cases. Devices like the HTC HD2, the Pocophone F1, and various Redmi Note models demonstrate that alternative support can extend a device's lifespan far beyond what's expected.
The final picture is that of Android 17 moving in several directions: skins like One UI 9, premium tablets, security enhancements, massive rollouts on Motorola devices, and community experiments on the Xiaomi Mi A1. In Spain and Europe, the key will be to see which models receive the update, when prices and release dates are confirmed, and to what extent it's worth updating an older device. The official release schedule sets the pace, but the community demonstrates that the boundaries aren't always fixed.
