After months of beta testing, Samsung is gearing up for a significant One UI 6 Watch update, aiming to bring new features to older Galaxy Watch models. While the extra time for testing is expected to ensure a smoother experience, Samsung appears to be lagging on regular security updates for its Galaxy Watches. Galaxy Watch models, including the Watch 4, Watch 5, and Watch 6 series, haven’t received a security update since March 2024, which is raising some concerns. The latest Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 are running a slightly newer, yet still outdated, June 2024 security patch.
Samsung’s official guidance states that Galaxy Watches running Wear OS (from Galaxy Watch 4 onward) should receive quarterly security updates, which means new patches every three months. With the last patch over eight months old, Samsung has missed this target considerably.
This delay could suggest that Galaxy Watches might not urgently require new security fixes, potentially indicating a stable environment. However, a lack of updates doesn’t necessarily mean there are no security issues; it’s equally possible that vulnerabilities could be present but undiscovered or unpatched. It’s worth noting that Samsung might be focusing resources on perfecting the One UI 6 Watch update, possibly delaying the security patches temporarily.
For Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra, which already feature One UI 6 Watch, maintaining the quarterly patch schedule should be achievable, though the delays so far are evident. Samsung has not yet shared a timeline for resuming regular security updates but may provide more clarity soon.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series in the U.S. has recently received the November 2024 security update, first for carrier-locked devices and now for factory-unlocked models as well. This update, available for the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra, arrives with firmware version S92xU1UES4AXJA and includes over 50 vulnerability fixes. Additionally, Samsung has enhanced the Auto Blocker feature, now more effective when set to “Maximum.” This setting restricts all USB devices except chargers from connecting to the phone, which bolsters device security by blocking unauthorized data transfer via USB ports.
Galaxy S24 users in the U.S. can check for the update by navigating to Settings » Software update » Download and install. Those comfortable with manual updates can flash the firmware using a Windows PC and Samsung’s Odin tool. This latest security patch has already been rolled out in Europe and some other regions as well.
Looking ahead, Samsung is preparing to launch the One UI 7.0 Beta Program for the Galaxy S24 series, anticipated for mid-November 2024. This beta phase is expected to run for a few months before the official One UI 7.0 release, aiming to enhance features and performance further across Galaxy devices.
