Android is under attack. Google’s emergency update is now deploying across Samsung’s vast user base and you should install as soon as you can. This isn’t the only Android security update you need. But here there is bad news for most Galaxy users.
“By default,” Google says, “system services automatically updates your device with security, bug fixes, and new features. Some updates are delivered via system services in separate Android packages. This maintains privacy, security and data isolation.”
These are different to the monthly security updates that generate headline warnings. But in many ways they’re just as critical. Unfortunately, though, “Samsung phones haven’t received Google Play updates for months.”
Galaxy Club reports “a short tour on our own devices and the reactions show that most have a Galaxy phone that has not received a Google Play system update since August, and sometimes even July.” This is not a good look.
SammyFans says “the problem with Google Play system updates has returned on Samsung phones. Various Galaxy devices (phones and tablets) have stopped receiving new updates from Google, leaving them behind in this important aspect.”
Just as with delays in deploying monthly security fixes to all Galaxy users, the question quickly becomes one of responsibility or blame. “It’s not Samsung’s fault but Google’s,” SammyFans suggests. Google is “keeping the Play system updates on hold.”
SammyFans also says “Samsung and Google should work closely to find the problem, if there’s any. A collaborative work will ensure Galaxy users also get the latest Play system updates and don’t fall behind Pixel phones in this software release part.”
This is the key point. There is a disconnect at the heart of Android. Samsung is its leading OEM, with one in three Android phones coming from the Korean tech giant. Pixel sells barely one-tenth the volume. Yet, Samsung ranks behind Pixel for updates, upgrades and new features. And clearly for Play updates as well.
“You can check the status yourself,” Galaxy Club says. “Settings > Security and privacy > Updates > Google Play system update. Tap it to check if you can download a new one.”