The Galaxy S25 could be Samsung’s first flagship phone to get seamless updates
- Seamless (A/B) updates tipped for the Galaxy S25
- Streamlines the process of updating a device
- First introduced by Google in 2016
We’re getting closer to the expected January launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25, and the latest rumor surrounding this phone series suggests that it will get an upgrade in terms of how updates are applied at the most fundamental level.
According to tipster @chunvn8888 (via SamMobile), the Galaxy S25 phones will receive A/B updates, also known as seamless updates. These updates include new Android versions and minor security patches and fixes.
The A/B name refers to how the next software update (B) is downloaded and installed on a separate storage partition while the current software (A) continues to run. Most of the heavy lifting happens behind the scenes while you continue to use your phone.
A restart is still required to apply the update, but the restart is faster. Much of the installation work has already been done, so you can spend less time watching a progress bar move across the screen.
Getting started with the program
Google introduced the option of A/B updates for Android back in 2016, so it’s taken a while for Samsung to introduce it to the Galaxy series – if the prediction is correct.
However, the Galaxy S25 wouldn’t be the first Samsung phone to get this functionality: it’s also available on the Samsung Galaxy A55 that launched earlier this year. However, it would be the first time it would appear on a Samsung flagship.
As SamMobile notes, A/B support must be built in at the hardware level – it’s not something that can be added to a handset at a later date. A phone either has A/B capabilities or it doesn’t, for the life of the device.
We should see three Galaxy S25 phones released in January, if Samsung copies its 2024 launch schedule into 2025. There have been plenty of leaks already, covering everything from the predicted color options to the key internal specs.
