Updates
Samsung kicks off May 2023 security update to Galaxy S21 series
Samsung is preparing to unveil its next-generation foldable smartphones. It’s expected that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 will release in the fourth week of July. The company will introduce the One UI 5.1.1 software version with these new phones, based on Android 13 OS.
Simultaneously, Samsung appears to be working on Android 14-based One UI 6.0 Beta. Recently, test firmware was spotted on the company’s server, which included a new “One UI Update.” As the One UI 5.1.1 will arrive ahead of One UI 6, non-foldable phones may not get it with software update.
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Since the One UI 6.0 will be a major upgrade for Galaxy devices, Samsung won’t begin deployment in a hurry. Instead, the company should take enough time in development, testing, and fixing bugs so end-users will receive the most stable build internationally.
Meanwhile, Samsung is also rolling out the May 2023 security patches to several Galaxy smartphones and tablets. So far, the company released the new OTA for Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4 and select mid-range/budget devices.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Series May 2023 Security Update
Now, Samsung starts rolling out the May 2023 security update to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra smartphones. The software is currently available in select European countries, including Bulgaria, Hungary, and Switzerland (via).
Last month, the South Korean tech giant served two firmware updates to the Galaxy S21 series, bringing the April patches with the initial and Image Clipper feature with the second one. Meanwhile, today’s rollout just includes the latest Android and One UI Patches released in May 2023.
Samsung earlier revealed that its May software installs patches to over 58 common vulnerability exposures discovered by Google on Android. Additionally, the company included 21 SVEs to maintain the best level of security on Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
How to update:
Consumers can identify the May patch OTA via PDA build versions: G998BXXU7EWE1, G996BXXU7EWE1 and G991BXXU7EWE1 for the S21 Ultra, S21 Plus and S21, respectively. Besides Exynos, Snapdragon models should soon pick up the latest security improvements.
To update the software, just open Settings >> Software update >> Download and install.
October 2024 started with the SDC24 event, where Samsung shared important updates about its software and products. One of the big announcements was the upcoming One UI 7 Beta update for developers, which will be released at the end of this year. While this is a change from last year, some users get disappointed by the timeline. However, Samsung never forgets to release its monthly update on time.
On the 5th day of this month, Samsung began releasing the October 2024 security patch for Galaxy devices to enhance security and stability. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in late September 2024, is the first smartphone to receive the October 2024 security update. Several more Galaxy devices will get this update in the coming days.
October 2024 security update fixes several vulnerabilities and boosts the overall security of the devices. Samsung will soon release the details and updated devices list on the scope page.
Below you can check a list of Galaxy devices that have received the October 2024 security update.
Image: Samsung
Samsung One UI October 2024 Updates List
11/09
- Samsung brings October 2024 security update to Galaxy A55 5G
10/09
- Samsung Galaxy A13 secures October 2024 update ahead of many flagships
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Fold 5 receiving October 2024 security update
- Samsung rolls out October 2024 update to Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6
09/09
- Samsung Galaxy S24 grabs ‘crucial’ October 2024 update in the US
05/09
- Samsung drops October 2024 security update, Galaxy S24 FE takes the lead.
*More devices will be added to this list as Samsung releases the update for them.
If you have a Samsung device from the list above and haven’t updated it yet, go ahead and do it now. If your device isn’t on the list, you can manually check for updates by going to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and Install. You can share software updates screenshots and details by tagging our social media accounts.
Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra users are getting an October 2024 security update in Canada. This update improves system security and stability to enhance the overall performance.
Users of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in Canada can verify the October 2024 security update via the One UI builds given below.
- S921WVLS3AXI1 – Galaxy S24
- S926WVLS3AXI1 – Galaxy S24 Plus
- S928WVLS3AXI1 – Galaxy S24 Ultra
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 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.
The installation package size of this update is around 440MB. If you have received the notification of the update then install it now to get a bug-free experience. Also, you can check the update manually.
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
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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.
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