Samsung’s December 2024 Update: What it brings and who will receive it

Samsung is gearing up to release its December 2024 security update, but there’s more to know about what it includes, who gets it, and when it’ll roll out. With Android 15 and One UI 7 still months away, Samsung is ensuring its devices stay secure. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening with this update.

Overview of the December 2024 Update

Samsung plans to release the Android 15 and One UI 7 updates in early 2025. Until then, the company continues to provide security patches to keep devices protected. However, Samsung has warned that major OS upgrades, like Android 15, can sometimes delay regular security updates.

This is exactly what happened in November 2024. Updates for some devices, like the Galaxy S22 and S23 series, arrived late. Meanwhile, others, like the Galaxy A55, are still waiting for their November patch. Despite these delays, Samsung is moving ahead with its December security patch, which addresses several vulnerabilities.

What Does the December Update Include?

The update combines fixes from Google and Samsung, ensuring both the Android system and Samsung-specific features are secure.

Google’s Contributions

Google’s patch for December includes 34 security fixes for the Android operating system. Among them, six are labeled as “critical.” One critical fix specifically addresses vulnerabilities affecting devices with Qualcomm processors. This includes premium models like the Galaxy S23 series, S24 Ultra, and foldable Galaxy Z devices.

Samsung’s Additions

Samsung has added eight improvements of its own, targeting specific apps and features:

• Themes: Improved security for customization options.
• Settings: Bug fixes to ensure smoother device management.
• SmartSwitch: Enhanced reliability for transferring data between devices.
• DeX: Fixes for better performance in Samsung’s desktop experience.

These updates ensure not only general security but also a more stable experience across Samsung’s ecosystem.

Who Will Receive the December Update?

Samsung devices follow a structured update schedule based on their release timeline and category. Devices that typically receive monthly updates are the first to get the latest patches. Here’s a breakdown of eligible devices for December:

Galaxy Smartphones

• Flagship Models:
  Galaxy S24 (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra), S23 (S23, S23+, S23 Ultra), S22 (S22, S22+, S22 Ultra), S21 (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra), and their respective FE editions.
• Foldable Phones:
  Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3; Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 3.
• Mid-Range Devices:
  Galaxy A55 (pending the November update), A54, and A53.
• Rugged Models:
  Galaxy Xcover 5, Xcover 6 Pro, and Xcover 7.

Samsung Tablets

Most Samsung tablets are already updated. However, the Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110) is running on a September 2024 patch and is due for an update. This device, along with others like the Galaxy Tab A9+ (SM-X210), is on Samsung’s quarterly update schedule.

When Will the Update Roll Out?

Predicting the exact rollout timeline for the December update is tricky, especially following the delays with November’s patch. While Samsung typically releases updates to flagship devices first, the upcoming Android 15 upgrade may cause further delays. As we move closer to its release, the rollout of security patches could become more staggered.

For users eager to know when their devices will get the Android 15 upgrade, Samsung’s roadmap highlights the eligible models and expected timelines.

Final Thoughts

The December 2024 update reflects Samsung’s ongoing commitment to device security, even as it prepares for the next big software upgrade. While some delays are expected, the combination of Google’s fixes and Samsung’s optimizations ensures robust protection for its wide range of devices. Users are encouraged to check for updates regularly to keep their devices secure and up to date.

Source – Galaxy