If you are a subscriber of U.S. network operator AT&T, you will welcome the news that the carrier is currently rolling out an over-the-air (OTA) security update for three popular Samsung smartphones - the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge+ and the Galaxy Note 5.
The security update was pushed out on Tuesday, Sept. 20, by AT&T for the three smartphones. The three older-gen variants of its current flagships will now receive Advanced Messaging and Wi-Fi calling functionalities as part of the Android security update.
The baseband numbers for the security update are N920AUCU3CPHA, G920AUCU4DPH5 and G928AUCU3CPHA for the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge+, respectively.
The support site for AT&T lists the file size as 431 MB, 405 MB and 454 MB to 459 MB for the Galaxy Note 5, the Galaxy S6 edge+ and the Galaxy S6, respectively.
Interestingly, while the Galaxy S7 edge+ and Galaxy Note 5 have received the September security patch, the Galaxy S6 is staying put on the August one despite benefiting from the new functionalities.
Nevertheless, considering the Galaxy S7 edge offered by the carrier is yet to receive the September security patch, it is pretty impressive that the older-gen handsets are getting the security patch before the flagship.
For the unfamiliar, AT&T began pushing out support for Wi-Fi calling earlier in June for the LG G4 and Galaxy S6 Active. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge received the support a month later in July, followed by the LG V10 in August.
The Wi-Fi calling feature will enable users of AT&T on compatible devices to make a voice call, as well as send text messages over a Wi-Fi network.
The Advanced Messaging feature, on the other hand, simply enables the Advanced Messaging services for AT&T per the changelog. Interestingly, the Galaxy S6 edge is yet to receive the September Android security update from AT&T.
It is advisable that users ensure that their Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6 smartphone is on the latest software version prior to downloading the AT&T security update. Make sure that you have access to a stable Wi-Fi connection, sufficient free memory space and at least 50 percent battery charge on your device.
Since the AT&T Android security update is being pushed out in phases, it may take a while before it hits your smartphone. To check for the OTA update's availability manually, go to Settings > About Device > Software Update > Check for Updates. If available for download, follow the on-screen prompts and install the update.
Photo: Mike Mozart | Flickr
