Samsung’s Android update: Bad news for S25, S24 users

Samsung’s Android Update—Bad News for Galaxy S25 and S24 Users

Updated on February 6th with information about update timing. A stable One UI 7 version is now available on the server. There are also new tips on how to get ready for the update.

January was a big month for Samsung, but February could be even bigger. The launch of the AI-powered Galaxy S25 was a major event, but what really matters is how users feel once they get the device and the Android 15 / One UI 7 update. Samsung needs to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Google worked closely with Samsung on the Galaxy S25, making sure its Gemini AI was as important as Samsung’s Galaxy AI. But as February begins, Google has not helped its partner much.

This month’s Android security update includes a serious security flaw (a “zero-day” vulnerability) that hackers are already using. Samsung needs to fix this problem quickly for all its users, but the fix is missing from its February update.

Google warns that this flaw, called CVE-2024-53104, is already being used in targeted attacks. It affects Android’s core system (the Linux kernel) and can cause memory issues when handling video. If not fixed soon, more hackers may start using it.

Samsung has handled such issues differently in the past—sometimes fixing them right away, other times waiting until the next update. Surprisingly, this fix is missing from the February update. I have asked Samsung why. Another important security fix is also missing, but that was more expected.

CVE-2024-45569 is a security fix from Qualcomm, so it only applies to devices using Qualcomm chipsets. Samsung usually adds these third-party fixes about a month after Google, so this one will likely arrive in March. The good news is that there’s no sign of hackers using this flaw, unlike last year’s Qualcomm issues.

For new Galaxy S25 buyers, the bad news is that the latest software update only includes the December security patch. Samsung will likely fix this soon, but it hasn’t happened yet. This highlights the slow and inconsistent update process that frustrates users. The S25 is the first Samsung flagship to support seamless updates like Google Pixel phones, but that won’t make updates arrive any faster.

Galaxy S24 owners are also waiting for the February security update, though the rollout will vary by region and carrier as usual. This is one reason why having a Pixel phone is better for getting Android updates quickly.

One UI 7 is so good pic.twitter.com/sYuMS7a5Od

— Holly – I like tech (@AnxiousHolly) February 1, 2025

The February update for Pixel phones is now available. While it usually takes about a week to reach everyone, it often arrives faster. Google’s update schedule is quite predictable, but things work differently for Samsung.

According to Android Police, “the February 2025 update is rolling out to all Pixel devices running Android 15. However, depending on your phone, carrier, and region, it might take a few days to reach everyone. The update version is AP4A.250205.002, though it may vary slightly for carrier-locked Pixels. It includes security updates dated February 5, 2025.”

As I’ve mentioned before, other phone makers struggle to match Google’s speed with updates. Customizing Android 15 for different brands takes time, and the same will happen with Android 16, causing delays.

Now, for Samsung users, there’s still a wait for the stable release of One UI 7, which will bring Android 15 to Galaxy phones. This update improves security and makes Samsung phones more competitive with iPhones. The new Galaxy S25 series will come with it pre-installed, but older models like the S24 are still waiting.

Samsung said One UI 7 should arrive by the end of the first quarter for recent flagship models. However, it looks like S24 users might get the February security update before One UI 7, which helps fix issues but doesn’t bring new features yet. There’s no official update on the release, just speculation from eager users.

Samsung has promoted One UI 7 as a big security and privacy upgrade. The update will improve your phone and add Google’s latest spam and malware protections, using AI to enhance security without compromising privacy.

According to SammyFans, a senior writer contacted Samsung Support U.S. to ask about the One UI 7 release date. The support team didn’t give a specific date and said they couldn’t make guesses. This could mean a slight delay, but it might also be an effort to avoid false hype, as has happened before.

The Galaxy S25 is now reaching customers. According to SamMobile, Samsung launched the S25 series in India and started pre-orders on the same day it announced the phone globally at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California. At that time, Samsung said it would begin delivering pre-ordered devices in India on February 4, 2025—and it has kept its promise.

There might be some good news about pricing for those waiting to upgrade. SamMobile says that Samsung may have a temporary price advantage over iPhones. However, this may not last long because of the “America First” policies of the Trump administration. Most iPhones in the U.S. are made in China, so prices may increase due to new trade policies. Samsung, which makes phones in Brazil, India, South Korea, and Vietnam, could benefit from this.

But don’t bet on it just yet. Recent trade tariff changes have caused confusion, with shipments from China stopping and restarting within a day. So, prices could go either way.

No matter which phone you use, update it as soon as possible. Google’s warning should be taken seriously. You can check if you’re on Samsung’s monthly update schedule here, and the release will be announced here.

As the first week of February comes to an end, Samsung has issued a new warning for Galaxy users in the beta program. There may also be some progress on the One UI 7 update.

According to SammyFans, having the latest beta version makes switching to the stable version easier. If you’re using an older beta, you might face issues and may need to manually install the official firmware, which will erase your phone’s data. The site also says that Samsung is helping users upgrade smoothly and suggests that those in the beta program consider exiting before the stable update arrives. However, if you stay, make sure you install the latest beta version. It looks like Samsung is handling software updates differently this year.

Galaxy S23: A new One UI 7 build has been uploaded to the server yesterday

DYA6 → DYB2
Build Version: S918BXXU7DYB2/S918BOXM7DYB2/S918BXXU7DYB2

This build version is the same as the Galaxy S25/S24 build (YB1/B2). pic.twitter.com/BHeNn0gOzG

— Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) February 6, 2025

The update isn’t too complicated. The good news is that the stable version might be released soon, possibly along with the February security update. This is according to Tarun Vats, who often shares news about Samsung updates on X. He recently posted that “a new One UI 7 build was uploaded to the server yesterday.” Right now, it’s only for the Galaxy S23, but other models, like the Galaxy S24, will likely follow. Vats also mentioned that “this build version is the same as the Galaxy S25/S24 build (YB1/B2).”

According to SammyFans, it’s now February 2025, and many Samsung users (except Galaxy S25 owners) are waiting for the stable One UI 7 update. The Galaxy S23 series will be one of the first to get it. A new report suggests the update is almost ready and may even come with the February 2025 security patch, making devices even safer. The latest build shows that Samsung is getting ready to release the stable One UI 7 update for Galaxy devices.

Here is the list of Samsung devices that will receive the update, which includes Android 15 and Samsung’s security and privacy improvements: