Samsung’s Galaxy devices have always been known for their hardware, but the implementation of software updates is another story. Like previous generations, Samsung Galaxy devices require users to wait hours for the phone to be usable after receiving an update, unlike the seamless or A/B system updates on Google’s Pixel phones since Android Nougat eight years ago.
The upcoming new Galaxy S25 series will be released next month. This long-wished-for feature, already confirmed for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, could finally bring Samsung closer to matching Google’s Pixel app experience on the software side.
What Are Seamless Updates?
A/B system partitions mean seamless updates can install software updates in the background while using your phone. Once the update is ready, the phone reboots into the newly updated partition.
Google first introduced this feature with Android Nougat back in 2016, and it has quickly become a staple of Pixel devices. The market leader, Samsung, has been reticent about adopting this modern update mechanism, but they’ve taken it up.
Big Step Forward for the Galaxy S25
Seamless updates will be supported by the Galaxy S25 Ultra — a feature previously unavailable on Samsung’s flagship — according to files leaked to Android Authority. In addition, Galaxy S25 and S25+ are also said to get A/B system updates — which will give the entire Galaxy S25 and S25+ a lot of quality-of-life upgrades.
As has been reported for several months, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite to provide top-of-the-line performance alongside its software update.
Not Samsung’s First Device With Seamless Updates
Seamless updates aren’t a Samsung flagship debut. Notably, the Galaxy S25 series does not support it. The Galaxy A55, a midrange smartphone launched earlier this year in select markets, deserves that distinction.
Earlier implementation was well done, but there is been a glaring missing link with the built-in Seamless updates feature absent in their premium Galaxy S and Z series, more so than Google’s Android 13, which requires similar virtual A/B partitions going forward.
The Galaxy S25 series is even more anticipated, as Samsung has decided to skip seamless updates for the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24.
What to Know About the Galaxy S25 Launch
The Galaxy S25 series isn’t far, so the wait should not be long by now. It’ll hit stores on February 7, 2025, though it should hit your local supermarket shelves on January 22, 2025, with the lineup revealed on that date. Users can also expect seamless updates and hardware and software improvements that could reinvent the flagship experience.
A Long-Awaited Change
For years, pixel phone owners have envied Samsung Galaxy device owners for their seamless update experience. One of the first steps it has taken to bridge the gap between its software approach and that of Samsung and Google is introducing A/B system updates across the Galaxy S25 series.
Some will say that Samsung waited too long to take on this feature, but the move is just part of a journey to make Samsung’s user experience better. Samsung fans to get updates with the Galaxy S25 series without the inconvenience of downtime, Samsung has struck a win for convenience while also making for a handy update.
January 2025 is approaching, and with all of these screaming, long overdue changes to the Samsung flagship Galaxy experience, everyone will be watching to see how they improve it.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
