Google Enhances Instagram Experience on Android with One UI 9

On 13 May 2026, Google announced significant improvements to the Instagram app for Android devices through an update in One UI 9, which operates on Android 17. These enhancements are designed to attract existing iPhone users and content creators to the Android ecosystem.

As part of a collaboration with Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Google has optimised the functionality of the app for Android. Notably, this update promises to bring camera performance on Galaxy smartphones in line with iPhones, ensuring users can capture and share high-quality photos and videos.

These optimisations include the use of Ultra HDR format for image and video capture, which Samsung refers to as Super HDR. This allows for a wider dynamic range and richer colour representation. Furthermore, improvements in video stability are said to enhance the viewing experience on social media.

In low-light conditions, Instagram will employ Google’s Night Sight technology, offering better detail and reduced noise, resulting in enhanced dynamic range. According to Google, testing has shown that image quality on flagship Android devices now meets or even surpasses that of iPhones in certain scenarios.

The new features aligned with the One UI 9 update also entail systemic enhancements to how Instagram operates on Android devices, particularly in relation to foldable phones and tablets. The application’s user interface has been adjusted to ensure it takes full advantage of larger screens.

Additionally, Instagram’s Edits app, launched previously, now utilises on-device artificial intelligence for streamlined editing workflows. The Smart Enhance feature can upscale images and videos, improving details and overall quality with minimal user input.

Another innovative feature is Sound Separation, which enables users to adjust audio layers from different sources independently, echoing functionalities similar to Samsung’s Audio Eraser. Google has also introduced support for the Advanced Professional Video codec, specifically on select high-end devices such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra, enhancing the storage efficiency of professional video formats.

These updates reflect a concerted effort by Google and Meta to not only elevate the standard of social media applications on Android but to also position their platforms competitively against Apple's offerings. As technology continues to advance, the collaboration aims to shape a robust environment for content creation on mobile devices.