January 24, 2025 — As Samsung prepares to unveil its Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy S24 users find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with delay in receiving Android 15 through One UI 7. Samsung’s confirmation that One UI 7 will roll out “sequentially” to older devices has left many flagship owners disheartened, particularly those who recently invested in S24 Ultra.
While Galaxy S25 will debut with Android 15 out of the box, S24 users will have to wait until the end of February or early March to experience a highly anticipated OS upgrade. This timeline puts Samsung’s rollout several months behind Google’s Pixel devices, which have been running Android 15 since last year.
Security and Privacy Upgrades on Horizon
Android 15 is a pivotal update, focusing on enhanced security and privacy features that aim to bridge the gap between Android devices and Apple’s iPhone ecosystem. Highlights include:
- Live threat detection to identify risky app behavior.
- Expanded Play Protect to block unauthorized app installations.
- Network defenses that secure connections against potential vulnerabilities.
Samsung is bolstering its advancements with its Knox security architecture, introducing measures like blocking the sideloading of risky apps and enabling users to disable 2G connections for added protection. However, the staggered release of these features has left many S24 users feeling left behind.
Impact on Galaxy S24 Users
delay has been met with mixed reactions. Enthusiasts expected a quicker rollout, especially after rumors suggested Samsung was finalizing an update in early January. Some beta testers remain hopeful following a forum moderator’s assurance that the final version will be available to both beta participants and public users simultaneously.
Yet, the delay has practical implications. The newly introduced Identity Check feature, part of Android 15’s security suite, is designed to protect sensitive data by requiring biometric authentication outside of trusted locations. For users concerned about device ft, this delay exacerbates vulnerabilities in the interim.
“Identity Check is a game-changer,” said a spokesperson for Google. “It ensures that even if a thief learns your PIN, you won’t be able to access critical settings or disable ft protection.”
With smartphones ft on the rise in cities like London, where police responses are often limited, this delay could leave Galaxy S24 users particularly exposed.
Seamless Updates: A Missed Opportunity
Galaxy S25 is expected to feature seamless updates, a feature that allows software upgrades to install in the background without interrupting device use. This marks a significant improvement in user experience, but it’s a feature that S24 users will miss out on.
Additionally, rumors suggest that S25 will offer enhanced AI capabilities, including improved Bixby functionality and free access to Google Gemini Advanced. Se features, coupled with Android 15, create an exclusivity gap that may incentivize some users to upgrade prematurely.
Android 16 is Already in Beta
Adding to the frustration, Google has already rolled out the first beta of Android 16 to Pixel devices. This underlines Samsung’s lag in delivering the latest software updates, highlighting a recurring challenge for the brand in aligning with Google’s development cycle.
Looking Ahead
While Samsung has emphasized its commitment to security and innovation, the delayed rollout of Android 15 has underscored the challenges of maintaining parity with competitors. S25 launch is poised to showcase Samsung’s advancements, but for existing flagship users, waiting for One UI 7 feels like an unnecessary hurdle.
Samsung users are advised to update their devices as soon as possible to ensure they benefit from the latest fixes. For now, the focus remains on how swiftly Samsung can close the gap and deliver on its promise of enhanced security and user experience.
