Samsung is among the best companies in the market, and it frequently releases new updates, especially for its latest devices. Being on the cutting edge of the latest updates, Samsung has provided the October 2024 security patch for foldable phones it offers to the public: Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, and two predecessors, Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5. This update has arrived before Google releases the same to its pixel series of phones which cements Samsung’s commitment to enhancing the security of its flagship handsets.
Key Features of the Update
The focus is on security and stability, while the key theme of the October 2024 update is security and stability fixes and enhancements rather than adding new features. In particular, 42 updates aim to eliminate the vulnerabilities, 30 of which refer to Android OS and 12 are connected with Samsung Galaxy models. Of those vulnerabilities, two of them are marked as critical, which emphasizes the necessity to update devices.
- Patch Size and Rollout The update is roughly 440MB in size, but that might be slightly different, depending on the device and the carrier. It is still being implemented in phases, thus not all the users will get the application at one instance.
- Android users with a version of at least Android 6.0 Marshmallow can search for the update in Settings > Software update > Download and install. Industry personnel have indicated the update is available on unlocked phones as well as some of the carrier-locked phones in the United States as posted by users on Reddit.
- Supported Devices This update is available for both the latest and previous generations of Samsung’s foldable phones:
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- While the update does not bring major new features, it ensures that these devices remain protected against the latest threats.
What’s Fixed in the October 2024 Update?
Samsung has detailed 42 vulnerabilities addressed in this patch:
- 30 Android OS Vulnerabilities: These include various flaws that could compromise user data and device performance.
- 12 Samsung-Specific Vulnerabilities: This set of fixes is exclusive to Galaxy devices, with two vulnerabilities classified as critical. These are likely the highest priority patches, ensuring Samsung foldables remain secure.
More detailed information on these vulnerabilities can be found on Samsung’s security bulletin page.
Looking Ahead: One UI 7 and Future Updates
This update may primarily be about security, however, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are expected to get a much bigger update with the One UI 7 in 2025. That update will help to unify Android 15 and introduce features that are intended to improve foldable usage. Users can expect improvements in user interface, multitasking, and perhaps more refined animations with the upcoming One UI.
How to Download the October 2024 Update
If you’re eager to get the update, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your device.
- Scroll down to Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
If you do not see these changes, you do not need to panic, as it may take up to several days for the update to reach all gadgets as a result of Samsung’s staggered release model.
Conclusion
Samsung has released the October 2024 security patch for its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable phones. This update addresses 42 issues and enhances overall performance. This news comes as a surprise straight from Samsung before Google could even update it on its pixel phones. The list below shows some of the devices that will receive the One UI 5 update; Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5.
I think Samsung’s commitment to frequently releasing new phones is commendable. Unlike its competitors, Samsung focuses on providing users with enhanced security and durability features. This approach ensures that customers receive a reliable and secure device experience. What role do security patches play in preventing device breaches? Will Samsung’s One UI 7 update bring significant feature enhancements?
