The unlocked versions of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have started getting the latest Android security patch, as the September update is rolling out now.
Monthly security patches are designed to ensure that Android devices stay up to date and protected against potentially harmful software that could compromise their security. Google decided to release monthly patches after the Stagefright fiasco, which threatened millions of Android devices.
It's not just up to Google, however, to keep the devices up to date. Unlike iOS devices that are made solely by Apple, Android devices are made by various manufacturers, which have to distribute the updates to their devices.
Samsung seems to be making efforts toward keeping its devices updated, and the latest September security patch is now reaching the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. The firmware version is XXU1BPHJ and is rolling out in Europe, boosting security and bundling the enhanced Gallery app found on the Galaxy Note 7.
The September security update also adds support for Samsung Cloud, another neat feature that made its debut on the Galaxy Note 7.
As Samsung-centric publication SamMobile points out, this is the first time that Samsung rolls out a Security Maintenance Release (SMR) without posting full changelog details on its blog. Consequently, it remains a bit unclear for now just what exactly this September security patch brings to the table in addition to the Gallery refinements and the Samsung Cloud compatibility.
Nevertheless, the update should bring plenty of improvements and enhance the security of the devices. Those of you who have an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge and are in Europe should now be able to grab the latest update by accessing Settings > About device > Software update.
Considering that the September security patch is already rolling out in Europe, it should not take too long for the update to start hitting unlocked devices in the United States as well. The August security patch reached the U.S. Galaxy S7 and S7 edge in the last week of August, so the September patch could follow in a couple of weeks.
If you already downloaded and installed the update on an unlocked Galaxy S7 or S7 edge in Europe, drop by our comment section below and tell us of any noteworthy features that may have gone under the radar because of the lack of a changelog. If you've yet to receive it, fret not - it's on its way.
