Samsung’s 2025 security update cycle has begun, marking a familiar pattern of staggered rollouts across its device portfolio. While the January update incorporates the latest Android security patches and Samsung’s own enhancements, the gradual distribution process remains a point of contention for users who envy Apple’s simultaneous updates. This phased approach often means that older security fixes, such as December’s, are still being deployed to some devices weeks later. This issue is particularly relevant for flagship owners like the S21, S22, S23, and S24 series, which are still on monthly update schedules. The impending arrival of the S25 brings the promise of a significant shift in this update dynamic.
The Galaxy S25 is anticipated to debut Samsung’s implementation of seamless updates, a feature long enjoyed by Pixel users. This A/B partitioning system allows updates to download in the background and install with a simple reboot, eliminating the lengthy downtime associated with traditional updates. This feature aligns with Samsung’s broader strategy to enhance security and privacy, closing the gap with Apple’s iPhone. Alongside seamless updates, the S25 is expected to launch with Android 15 and One UI 7, bringing a host of security enhancements from both Google and Samsung. These advancements are part of Samsung’s ambition to rival Apple in security and privacy, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of its Galaxy AI capabilities.
The January security update, currently rolling out to S24 devices, primarily focuses on security fixes. This is expected given the imminent arrival of the “massive Android and One UI update” that brings seamless updates. While it’s anticipated that seamless updates will be exclusive to the S25 and future models due to potential hardware requirements, the shift marks a significant improvement in Samsung’s update process. The move to seamless updates is significant, transforming the update experience from a lengthy interruption to a near-instantaneous process. This change addresses a long-standing user complaint and positions Samsung to be more competitive in the area of software updates.
The January update itself includes five critical Android system patches, with the most severe potentially allowing remote code execution. While Samsung’s own contributions this month don’t include critical updates, the company notes that some vulnerabilities remain undisclosed, hinting at potential future announcements. The updates will prioritize S24 devices participating in the One UI 7 beta, followed by other flagship models. The focus on critical vulnerabilities highlights the ongoing battle against evolving security threats, emphasizing the importance of timely updates.
Samsung faces pressure to streamline its update processes following delays in the One UI 7 (Android 15) beta and stable release. Competing OEMs, including those offering more budget-friendly devices, have often delivered Android 15 updates more promptly, creating unfavorable comparisons for Samsung. This situation underscores the need for Samsung to improve its update timelines, particularly for its premium flagship devices. The competitive landscape demands quicker updates, and Samsung’s delay has put them on the back foot.
However, there are encouraging signs for the future. Reports suggest Samsung is already internally testing Android 16, even before the completion of the One UI 7 beta program. This early engagement with the next Android iteration suggests a potential for faster updates in the future, although catching up with Google’s Pixel devices remains a challenge. While catching up with Pixel’s update speed might be unrealistic, the proactive approach to Android 16 testing indicates a commitment to a more efficient update cycle. This could lead to a shorter timeline between One UI 7 and One UI 8, potentially resulting in a more streamlined update experience for users. This proactive approach to future Android versions suggests that Samsung is taking steps to address the criticisms around update timelines and aims to deliver a smoother, faster update experience going forward.
