AT&T joins the Android 8.0 Oreo bandwagon alongside Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile as the latest OS version arrives for the carrier-locked Samsung Galaxy S8 units.
Unless an Android smartphone user owns a model from Google's Pixel catalog, they can always expect a delay when it comes to the next iteration of the mobile OS platform.
Furthermore, users, whose smartphones that are locked by respective wireless network providers, receive the update even later than those who own a factory-unlocked version of the same handset.
How To Initiate The Update?
Users who set their smartphones to automatically check for software updates should receive a prompt that a new version is available for download. The new operating system version reportedly clocks in at around 1.55 GB.
To manually check and start the operating system upgrade, users can go to Settings then select Software Update to begin the OTA download. Consumers should know that the new software already includes the February 2018 security patch.
The Gang's All Ready
Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T now all have Android 8.0 Oreo available for each carrier's Samsung Galaxy S8 units. Now that the four network providers released the latest operating system version, subscribers who own the handset can enjoy the new features it brings along.
The update package includes expected functions like picture-in-picture mode, Autofill, multitasking support, notification dots, and others like Samsung's own Edge lighting effects as well as Dual Messenger.
Why The Delay?
Most users continue to wonder why Google cannot emulate Apple's approach when it comes to software updates.
It is important to understand that Apple has complete control over the hardware since all iOS-running devices are manufactured and licensed by the company. On the other hand, Google licenses the use of its Android operating system to other smartphone makers.
Each manufacturer normally tweaks the base program to make it stand out from the other products offered by the competition like Samsung TouchWiz, Huawei EMUI, HTC Sense UI, and more.
Moreover, network carriers usually throw in their own company-branded software and others that further adds to the delay since the final build of the software must be tested for quality control.
So in the grand order of things for Android OS, the Pixel lineup gets updated first, then followed by factory-unlocked models of certain smartphones, and dead last comes the network-locked versions of the mobile phones.
Not Looking Good For Samsung
In recent news, reports revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S9 has failed to meet its target sales numbers in its home country of South Korea. Experts cited several factors that possibly affect its appeal, and one of those reasons involve timely software updates. It is supported by the fact that Samsung's 2017 flagship just got its Android 8.0 Oreo update this year.
