According to Tech Advisor, Samsung distributed a November security patch via Google Play system updates to its Galaxy S10, S20, and S21 series smartphones. This action follows a period where these updates were paused by Samsung due to concerns about potential device stability issues. However, the update was not extended to more recent flagship devices, including the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7, which were reportedly excluded from this particular rollout. This comes despite Android smartphones typically receiving monthly Google Play system updates directly from Google.
Google Play system updates are distinct from standard Android operating system updates and often contain new features or security improvements applicable across various manufacturers. While these updates are generally released monthly, their arrival on individual devices can vary. The current situation presents a notable divergence from typical update policies: the Galaxy S10 officially concluded its update support in , and the Galaxy S20’s update cycle ended . Despite being considered end-of-life by official support schedules, these older models received a security update, while some current-generation devices did not. The update delivered was specifically a November patch, not the more recent January security update that Heise Online reported as available.
Samsung’s decision to pause and then selectively resume updates appears to stem from a strategy prioritizing older device stability. The initial pause was implemented to mitigate potential device issues, and the subsequent rollout to older models suggests a targeted effort to ensure continued security protection, even for smartphones past their official support lifecycle. There has been no official explanation from either Samsung or Google regarding why the older, unsupported devices received this update, or why newer models like the S25 were excluded from this specific patch rollout.
Official explanations from Samsung or Google are currently unavailable regarding the provision of updates to devices past their support cycle, such as the Galaxy S10 and S20. The precise reasons for the exclusion of newer models like the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7 from this specific November security patch also remain unaddressed. Furthermore, the timeline for when Samsung’s newer smartphones will receive their expected Google Play system updates has not been disclosed.
Users of older Galaxy devices, including the S10, S20, and S21, can expect their devices to maintain current security postures due to these resumed updates. For owners of newer Samsung flagships like the S25 and Z Fold 7, the immediate next steps involve monitoring official announcements from Samsung and Google for information regarding their next scheduled Google Play system updates. The industry will likely observe how this selective update strategy impacts overall device security and user experience across Samsung’s diverse product portfolio.
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