Firmware
Samsung will no longer update all Galaxy S10 devices
Samsung releases its quarterly, monthly, and biannual firmware security updates. The policies are provided for the selected Samsung models. The models launched in 2019 or later will be supported with firmware security updates for a minimum period of four years, along with the global launch. As for the five years of software updates, the selected new models that are launched after 2022 are chosen.
The Galaxy S10 came with Android 9-based One UI 1 out of the box, and software updates for Android devices are typically released by Samsung. Software updates are worth noting because they often include bug fixes, security patches, performance improvements, and occasionally new features. Keeping our device with a date with the latest software is generally recommendable for optimal performance, security purposes, and compatibility with the latest apps and services.
But, of course, this software support cannot be infinite, and, therefore, even for the smartphones of the Korean giant, it is time to stop, as it happened for the Galaxy S10 series.
Similar to other Samsung flagship models, the Samsung Galaxy S10 series initially received monthly security updates for the first three years. However, in April of the previous year, the update frequency was reduced to a quarterly basis as part of the security update program.
Galaxy S10 5G no longer receive any update
Recently, the Samsung Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+ reached the end of their support period, leading to the discontinuation of quarterly updates. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G continued to benefit from updates every three months.
Now, even the final member of the Galaxy S10 series, which includes the four high-end models, has reached the end of its support period. Consequently, these devices will no longer receive regular updates unless there is a critical security vulnerability that needs to be addressed.
The latest update schedule from Samsung, which came last year, omitted the Galaxy S10 from receiving security updates for five long years. Launching in the year 2019, with Android 9.0 Pie and this last major OS update was the Android 12-based One UI 4; after that phone moved to a quarterly updated schedule and got a new security patch at the end of every quarter.
Galaxy S10 Lite will still receive the software update
The situation is different with the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite. This smartphone was launched about a year later compared to the other four models of the S10 series and will continue to receive updates on a quarterly basis.
However, no major updates are planned for such a model (it is part of the group of models that are not eligible for Android 14 and One UI 6.0) and, therefore, will end its life with Android 13 and One UI 5.1.
Recently Samsung has totally dropped its support for devices like Galaxy A30 and A50 models. This clearly explains that these models did not receive any firmware updates. While discussing the updates that Galaxy S10 will include reliable software updates and a simple, workable interface. Major updates may include the update on the Android One UI framework.
Firmware
Unlocked Galaxy S21 FE Gets April 2024 Security Update, One UI 6.1 Wait Continues in the US
Samsung Galaxy users with eligible One UI 6.1 devices are eagerly waiting for the update, but the company has decided to install the April 2024 security patch before the significant One UI update. So, the Galaxy S21 FE also started getting an April 2024 security patch update in the US.
The unlocked unit of the Galaxy S21 FE started getting an April 2024 security patch update with the firmware version number G990U1UESAFXD1. With the latest update, the company has made some security-related enhancements that strengthen the security mechanisms of the devices. Previously, in some Latin American countries, the device had already received the update.
If you are a fan of the One UI features, don’t be too excited; the latest update for the Galaxy S21 FE doesn’t bring any significant features for the devices. But if you are one of those users who always worries about the security of personal data, then you should update your device to the latest version.
However, the Galaxy S21 FE is eligible to get One UI 6.1, so you just need to wait for some time. The Korean giant will provide the next One UI update to the device in the next few weeks. With the One UI 6.1 update, Galaxy S21 FE users may get some useful AI features that will enhance the overall user experience of the devices.
Coming to the April 2024 security patch, if you are using the unlocked version of the Galaxy S21 FE in the US, then now you can install the latest security patch update on your device via the software update menu from the system settings.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has grabbed the April 2024 security patch on the Verizon network, and now the device is getting the same update on more carriers. The Korean giant has also rolled out the update for the device outside of the US.
The Galaxy S20 FE is getting a new update with the firmware version number G781USQSFHXD1. Specifically, AT&T, Dish, Metro PCS, Sprint, and T-Mobile have all reported seeing it. In the coming days, the company is likely to roll out the update to all eligible devices.
For your information, the April 2024 update is part of Google’s Android security maintenance program, which aims to enhance the overall security of the devices. Going into details, the latest software will address more than 40 fixes, with Google adding 27 fixes and Samsung adding 17 more exclusively for Galaxy devices.
Moreover, the latest update may also bring some more improvements for the devices and enhance their overall performance and stability. If you are experiencing issues while using any of your device’s functions, you should update your device to the most recent version.
If you are using the locked version of the Galaxy S20 FE device in the US, then the update should be live for your device. To install it, follow these simple steps: First, go to the system settings and open the software update menu. If you see a new update available, tap on the download button.
Earlier, Samsung rolled out the April 2024 security patch update for the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S20 FE devices. But it was limited to some regions, and moving forward, it is gradually expanding to more units. The latest development shows that these devices are receiving April 2024 security patch updates in the US.
Notably, the update is live for the Verizon-locked versions of the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S20 FE with the firmware version numbers S711USQS3CXD2 and G781VSQSDHXD2. The April 2024 update brings some security-related enhancements for the devices. It is expected that unlocked units of these devices may also get the update in the next few days.
If you are a fan of the One UI features, don’t be too excited; the latest update for the Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy S23 FE doesn’t bring any significant features for the devices. But if you are one of those users who always worries about the security of personal data, then you should update your device to the latest version.
The April 2024 update offers the most recent security patch, incorporating numerous security improvements to safeguard your Galaxy device from various potentially harmful external threats. So, if you are concerned about your data, it is necessary to keep the device up to date.
Along with the security improvements, the update may also provide some extra improvements that will enhance the overall performance and stability of the devices. So, to take advantage, you can now update your device to the latest version.