Firmware
Samsung Software Support End For Several Galaxy Smartphones
Samsung has built a reputation for its remarkable progress and groundbreaking ideas. Nonetheless, it’s not uncommon for older devices to eventually reach their limits. With the imminent launch of a new Android & One UI version, a considerable portion of aging Galaxy devices are also approaching the end of their eligibility for future updates. This means that these devices will no longer receive crucial security patches, operating system upgrades, and user interface enhancements. For numerous owners, this signifies the culmination of their device’s lifespan, as they bid farewell to their last software update and say goodbye to the device that has faithfully served them for years.
Samsung Software Support End
Samsung Galaxy A40 and Galaxy A10 smartphones, which were released in the spring of 2019, have now completed their four-year software support cycle under Samsung’s update policy and will no longer receive software updates. Similarly, the Galaxy Tab S5e (SM-T72x) and Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) (SM-T51x) tablets have also reached the end of their update program and will no longer receive software support from Samsung.
It’s important to emphasize that the smartphones and tablets listed earlier did not suddenly become unsafe or inoperable. The Samsung Galaxy A40, for instance, has received the March 2023 patch update, and several other devices continue to be reliable even though they only receive updates every six months.
Here’s Some Older Flagships Smartpones
The Samsung Galaxy S10 series, which was launched on the market four years ago, in 2019, represented a significant milestone in the company’s smartphone lineup. Comprising the Galaxy S10, S10e, and S10+, these smartphones were equipped with Android 9-based One UI 1 at launch, and over the years, they received multiple updates to enhance their functionality and security. Today after four years of providing regular security updates, Samsung has removed these smartphones from its official update program. However, the good news is that the devices received the Android 12, with One UI 4.1 and security patches updated to March 2023.
However, the Galaxy S10 Series is not the only one that sees its software support cycle end. The Galaxy A30 and Galaxy A50, a mid-range smartphone launched even before the Galaxy S10, is reaching the end of its software support cycle. The device has enjoyed the same level of support as the flagship Galaxy S10 family, receiving monthly security patches for the first three years and then quarterly updates.
This news highlights the fact that even mid-range devices are not immune to the end of their software support and serves as a reminder for users to consider this aspect when making purchasing decisions.
One UI 6.0 Beta Update: These Samsung Galaxy smartphones can get it first
In the same context, the Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Note 10 series was downgraded to quarterly updates, as well as the Galaxy A72, M62 and F62, mid-range models launched in 2021, were moved to the semi-annual update schedule.
What about the Galaxy S10 5G and Galaxy S10 Lite?
The Galaxy S10 5G and Galaxy S10 Lite actually entered the market a year later than the other smartphones, so they will still benefit from a year of official software support from the manufacturer.
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.