Firmware
Carrier-locked Galaxy Z Fold 2 users getting Android 13 and One UI 5.0 update in the US
It’s no secret that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is one of the most impressive phones on the market. But, as with any new device, it’s only as good as the software it runs and how frequently it receives updates. Today marks a big milestone for T-Mobile and Sprint customers in the US who own a Galaxy Z Fold 2 as they finally get access to the latest Android 13 update and version 5.0 of Samsung’s One UI interface. This major update has several improvements in performance, battery life, and visuals, among other things. In this article, we’ll dive into what new features you can expect from this update.
T-Mobile and Sprint have both announced that they are rolling out the Android 13-based One UI 5.0 update to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 users in the United States. This update brings a number of new features and improvements to the device, including a new user interface, improved camera experience, new lock screen customization, and more.
Overall, this update brings a number of welcome changes and enhancements to the Galaxy Z Fold 2. If you’re a T-Mobile or Sprint customer in the US, be sure to check for this. The update carries firmware version F916USQU2IVK5 and also brings the December 2022 security patch.
Users should receive a notification on their devices when the update is available. To install the update, tap on the notification and follow the prompts. The update process may take a few minutes to complete, so please be patient.
Unfortunately, it’s still being determined when other carriers will release the January security update for Galaxy Z Fold 2. In the past, updates have been released on a staggered schedule, with some carriers getting the update sooner than others. However, the update may be released to all carriers in the next few days.
Usually, Samsung Galaxy devices are always ahead in getting new updates, but when it comes to the Google system update, there is no assurance when the latest update will come for the devices. This happens due to Google’s server limitations. For instance, the Galaxy S24 has received the January 2024 system update lately, but now Google is back on track and has started rolling out the April 2024 system update on ideal timing.
Google Play System April 2024 Update for Samsung Galaxy Phones
Last week, Google started rolling out the Play System update for Android devices, and now it has started expanding the update to Galaxy devices. For your information, with every new Play System update, the search giant provides some enhancements for Android devices through its built-in application upgrades.
With the April 2024 Play system update, Google has introduced some new changes under Google Play services. According to the changelog, under Account Management, if you are a supervisor user, you will be able to use a new dashboard to view parental control settings for wearables. This indicates that the April 2024 play system update is also available for the Wear OS.
Along with this, it introduces a new feature for smartphone users: the ability to connect with your contacts immediately after setting up your new phone. Additionally, the update also brings a new update for the Galaxy Play Store. For more clarification, you can check the official April 2024 system update changelog.
Google Play system update: April 2024 official changelog
Google Play Services v24.14 (2024-04-10)
Security and privacy
- [Phone] Find My Device can locate your powered-off device.
Support
- [Phone] With this new feature, you can now select a plan offer and activate an eSIM in Device Plans.
Wallet
- [Phone] Bug fixes for wallet-related services.
- [Phone] With this new feature, you can now use your Hong Kong Octopus Card in your wallet.
Google Play Services v24.13 (2024-04-03)
Support
- [Auto]: New developer features for Google and third-party app developers to support related processes in their apps.
Wallet
- [Phone] With this new feature, you’ll get notifications whenever your cards are updated and when a new virtual card is ready for use.
Google Play Store v40.4 (2024-04-01)
- [Phone] With this new feature, you’ll have an improved installation experience when you get a prompt to download your official apps and games on Google Play.
Firmware
April 2024 update is live now for South Korean units of Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5
Samsung has already introduced the April 2024 security patch update to several units of Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 devices. Earlier, these devices had already grabbed the update in several regions, including the US, and now both of the foldables have started getting the latest security patch update in South Korea.
Users who own the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 can identify the latest update by the firmware version numbers F946NKSS1CXD1 and F731NKSS1CXD1, respectively. With the latest update, it doesn’t bring any significant improvements for the devices, but it will provide some enhancements to the system.
The April 2024 update will ensure users are protected against external threats that can harm important data, and it will also give a seamless experience of the device while using any feature, so if you want to get the latest update, you can check the update by going to the system software update via system settings.
Moreover, the latest update may also provide some new features that will improve the working of the devices, so in that case, it may help you get rid of the problem. It is worth noticing that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 have revived the One UI 6.1 software in the last update, where users have faced some problems regarding the different features, so if you want to improve them, then you should try the latest update.
Firmware
Samsung brings the LTE TDD band support for these Galaxy devices in Europe via software update
Samsung has rolled out the second April 2024 update, which provides support for the new LTE TDD band. Several devices, including the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy S23 FE, and Galaxy A54, have spotted the update in Europe as of writing. As per the changelog, it seems that the new feature, the 4G LTE TDD band, may be exclusively available for the European region.
Samsung Galaxy Phones get LTE TDD Band Support in Europe
Samsung, on the other hand, doesn’t explain the release of this update or its purpose, but it’s possible that the company will do so in the coming days.
As per the observation, the update seems to provide a boost to network connectivity on LTE. In simple words, the update may aim to enhance network connectivity by stabilizing the speed of the internet while connecting to the 4G network.
According to the changelog, it is worth noting that Galaxy users who purchase their smartphone in Germany will not be able to use 4G networks on TDD band connections in other countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
If you are using the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy S23 FE, and Galaxy A54 in Europe, then you should start getting new updates. To install them on your device, simply go to the software update menu via the system settings, wait for the update, and then hide the download button that appears.