Updates
Carrier-unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 receives March 2023 security update
The carrier-unlocked models of Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra have started to receive the latest March 2023 Android security patch update in the United States.
This update is live for almost all carrier networks including – Verizon, Comcast, US Cellular, T-Mobile, and others. You can verify it through the firmware version G991U1UES5EWB5, G996U1UES5EWB5, and G998U1UES5EWB5.
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Samsung March 2023 patch:
Samsung’s March 2023 patch comes with improvements for system security and stability as well as fixes general bugs and issues that affect users’ experience. The details further mention fixes for over five dozen privacy and security-related vulnerabilities and exposures.
This update addresses 5 Critical and 35 High levels of CVEs from Google’s Android operating system that could lead to remote code execution. In addition, it fixes 23 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures to further boost the One UI functionality and users’ experience.
Moreover, Samsung’s March 2023 patch details reveal a fix for Galaxy S21-specific vulnerability – “SVE-2022-0604(CVE-2023-21459)”. It was allowing attackers to cause memory access faults on smartphones.
Aside from these, the Samsung Galaxy S21 March 2023 update for carrier-unlocked models doesn’t bring anything noteworthy, as per the changelog. However, you might notice fixes for the problems and errors you faced after installing the last software update which is One UI 5.1.
Have you noticed battery performance improvements?
Galaxy S21 series customers have been reporting battery drain and overheating issues for a long time. Users were expecting it to be fixed with the major One UI 5.1 update but unfortunately, it didn’t happen.
However, the Galaxy S21 March 2023 patch solved battery-related problems for many consumers. They say that the device is giving better battery performance than earlier. Have you noticed any battery performance improvements on your S21? You can share with us through Twitter.
Google App is updating its bottom navigation bar by bringing back a more modern design called Material 3. This change introduces a new pill-shaped indicator that shows which tab you’re using.
The revamped bottom navigation bar arrives with the latest beta version 15.40 of the Google App, thanks to 9to5Google. With the fresh design, Google aims to make it easier for users to navigate.
Instead of just highlighting the tab icon you’re on, the new design surrounds the icon with a pill shape to make it clearer and more appealing. Google app initially introduced this design in 2023 but later decided to revert to its previous look. Now, after some changes, the app has once again been back with the updated look.
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Aside from the testing new design, the company is also looking into a new verification feature for its Search function. This feature would give verified businesses a blue checkmark, similar to what you see in Gmail to help users easily identify trustworthy sources online.
Not everyone has access to Google App’s latest beta update yet, but users can force-stop the app through their device settings if they don’t see the new look right away. With the return of Material 3 design and new features on the way, users can look forward to a more enhanced experience in the Google App.
Google retracts report suggesting MediaTek chip in Galaxy S25
Samsung has pushed the October 2024 security update for another Galaxy A series smartphone, the Galaxy A55 5G. The company has recently rolled out this update to the Galaxy A13 smartphone and will expand soon to more Galaxy devices.
The fresh update of the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G improves system security and stability to enhance the overall performance of the app. It also fixes a bundle of issues that users encountered in the previous version.
Latest Software
October 2024 security update for Samsung Galaxy A55 5G smartphone arrives with One UI build version A556EXXS5AXI4. Users will have to download a 208MB package to install the update.
This update is currently live in Asian countries including the Philippines. The company will expand this update to more countries soon. It is an initial rollout so it may take hours or days to reach all models.
October 2024 Security Patch Details
October 2024 security patch fixes over 40 issues, including 2 critical and 28 high-level CVEs for Google. In addition, Samsung patches include 12 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) items. It fixes issues related to system service, Knox services, and more.
How to Update?
Users of Samsung Galaxy A55 smartphone can easily check and install the update via a few easy steps:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Software Updates from the menu.
- Tap on the Download and Install option to initiate the update process.
- If the update is available, proceed to install it.
Samsung Galaxy A13 secures October 2024 update ahead of many flagships
Samsung has pushed the October 2024 security update for its Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 devices. The update is initially available for these devices’ users in Europe and the US, with plans to expand to other regions soon.
The new update enhances system security and stability by addressing various issues to improve overall device performance. The latest security patch includes critical updates from both Google and Samsung.
Notably, Google’s patch resolves 2 critical vulnerabilities and 28 high-level issues, although one of these issues was previously addressed, and two do not apply to Galaxy devices.
On the other side, 12 Samsung vulnerabilities have been fixed which are related to system services and Knox to ensure a more secure user experience. Additionally, Samsung Semiconductor has also added a fix to boost performance.
October 2024 security update brings new One UI build versions for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6. You can check them below:
Europe
- Galaxy Z Flip 6 – F741BXXS1AXI3
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 – F956BXXS1AXI3
The US
- Galaxy Z Flip 6 – F741USQS1AXIB
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 – F956USQS1AXIB
To manually check for updates, users can navigate to their phone’s Settings, scroll to the Software Update section, and select the “Download and Install” option if a new OTA is available.
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 come pre-installed with Android 14 based on One UI 6.1.1. These foldable devices are set to receive the next major One UI update, expected to be available to developers by year’s end.
A community moderator revealed that a One UI 7 Beta program will soon be accessible to regular Galaxy users. However, details regarding eligible devices and schedules are yet to be confirmed.