Do you have a Samsung? An important Google update is back

Many users of Galaxy series devices have not had access to newer versions of the Google Play system for a long time. Some models are stuck on patches from last July. This meant several months of arrears. Samsung phones and tablets generally receive regular security patches and major operating system updates. However, Google’s fixes were a shameful exception.

Now the situation is finally changing. Owners of selected Korean phones report the availability of a new software version. It was dated January 1, 2026.

Foreign industry websites confirm the start of distribution of the latest package. The software has already been downloaded on Galaxy S23 series models. They were also spotted on the latest foldable Galaxy Z Fold7. The update size is approximately 90 MB.

I can confirm access to updates for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 myself. Previously, the phone settings showed July 1, 2025 when updating the system in Google Play. It is now January 1, 2026. If you still have the old date here, take a look at System Settings, then select the “Security & Privacy” tab and the “Updates” option. There, click on “System update on Google Play”. When I looked there, I found out that I had to restart my device for the update to install.

Availability is not limited to expensive flagship models. The new software is also available to owners of cheaper Galaxy A series devices. This means a wide range of updates. Installation requires a device running a stable version of the One UI 8 overlay. The process, as I wrote above, can be forced manually in the phone settings in the security and privacy tab.

Google provides a list of changes made. The January 2026 version refreshes many important system elements. New fixes have been introduced for Android WebView and Google Play Services.

The update also includes account management, virtual wallet and the app store itself. The software also increases the overall privacy level of Android device users.