NEWS
All Galaxy S series phones from Galaxy S24 to Galaxy S20 in the US get January 2025 update
Samsung Galaxy S series including Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy S20 series including FE (Fen Edition) users are receiving the January 2025 security update on Verizon network carrier in the US. The update is being rolled out for locked models, and other carriers may receive the update in the coming days or weeks.
As always, this new update improves the security and stability of the system by installing the latest Android security patch. In addition, it fixes several issues to provide a better user experience and improved performance. The January 2025 security update for the below-mentioned Galaxy S series devices on Verizon US can be identified through the One UI build versions given below.
Galaxy S series phones
- Galaxy S24 series: S92xUSQS4AXL4
- Galaxy S23 series: S91xUSQS5CXL7
- Galaxy S22 series: S90xUSQS7EXL8
- Galaxy S21 series: G99xUSQSEGXLB
- Galaxy S20 series: G98xUSQSCHXL1
Galaxy S FE series phones
- Galaxy S24 FE: S721USQS3AXL1
- Galaxy S23 FE: S711USQS6CXLG
- Galaxy S21 FE: G990USQSEGXL4
- Galaxy S20 FE: G781VSQSIHXL2
January 2025 security patch details
January 2025 security patch resolves over 50 security vulnerabilities, including 5 classified as critical and 24 as high-level, as identified by Google. Additionally, this update addresses 1 vulnerability that was previously fixed in earlier releases, along with two that do not apply to Samsung devices.
Moreover, Samsung has also implemented fixes for 22 security fixes under the Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) related to SoundPicker, Samsung Message, NotificationManager, and Protection Mechanism Failure in bootloader.
The above Galaxy S series users on Verizon US are advised to install the January 2025 update immediately to take advantage of the enhanced security measures. Those who haven’t received the update notification can manually check for the update and install it.
To install the update, open the Galaxy smartphone’s Settings, select ‘Software Update’ and then select ‘Download and Install.’ Following these steps will ensure that your Galaxy S series smartphone is up to date with the latest security protection.
NEWS
One UI 8.5 gets a redesigned YouTube card for Now Brief
Samsung recently rolled out the latest One UI 8.5 beta build for the latest Galaxy flagship smartphones. The new One UI 8.5 beta version brings some changes and improvements, giving users an early taste of the new software. Additionally, One UI 8.5 includes a redesigned YouTube card for the Now Brief.
With One UI 8, the “YouTube card” in the “Now Brief” recommendation for watching show videos vertically as a list can only show two videos.
Now, with One UI 8.5, the YouTube card in “Now Brief,” which shows recommendations horizontally in a carousel that you can swipe through, now shows up to ten videos, along with larger feature images for each video.
If YouTube videos aren’t showing on your Now Brief feed, you can navigate to and open Settings, then tap Galaxy AI, and then tap Now Brief. Then, tap Content to include and enable the YouTube switch. When you’re finished, tap Back.
Earlier this week, Samsung launched the One UI 8.5 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series. Soon, the company may expand the beta program to phones in the Galaxy Z lineup and older Galaxy S series devices.
The One UI 8.5 beta update makes Galaxy AI image creation easier, improves device connectivity, improves Smart Quick Share, lock screen, and weather tools, enhances Samsung Health insights, strengthens security, enhances battery management, improves accessibility, adds upgrade reminders, and more.

NEWS
Galaxy Z Flip 7, Fold 7 models receive December 2025 security update, next could be One UI 8.5 Beta
Samsung has released a new update for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 smartphones, which installs the December 2025 security patch update to improve system security and stability. According to reports, the update is already live for users in Korea, and the company will soon release it in other countries as well.
The December 2025 security update for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 smartphones has arrived with One UI build versions F966NKSS6AYKE and F766NKSS6AYKE. This is an initial rollout, so it may take a few hours or days to reach all models.
The December 2025 security patch fixes 57 security vulnerabilities present in the previous version of the OS.
Notably, this update is based on Android 16 and One UI 8. And the device is eligible for One UI 8.5 beta based on Android 16. On December 08, Samsung opened the beta program for the next version of One UI 8.5 only to the Galaxy S25 series. Plus, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will be the next devices in line.
Although the exact release date hasn’t been revealed yet, it’s expected to be released sometime in December 2025. The company plans to begin the stable rollout of One UI 8.5 with the Galaxy S26 series next year. More users will receive the update shortly afterward.
So, if you are using the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 smartphone, install the latest security update now to make your device ready for future updates. The next update could be One UI 8.5 Beta.
To manually check for security updates, go to your phone’s settings. At the bottom, you’ll find the Software Update section; simply open it. In the submenu, if your device receives a new OTA update, you’ll need to tap the Download and Install button.
NEWS
One UI 8.5 private album to Gallery app: Check what’s new in this feature
Samsung has unlocked several productive features with One UI 8.5, but are you aware of the “Private Album” tool in the Gallery app? Yes, it’s a new hidden feature that the company didn’t mention in the changelog. But it offers several useful benefits for device owners.
As the name suggests, the Private Album feature in the One UI 8.5 Gallery app hides sensitive photos and videos in your private album so that they don’t appear in the gallery or other apps.
Following long-standing demand and interest from fans, Samsung is finally introducing a private album feature that Galaxy users have been requesting for years. Until now, the only way for Galaxy users to hide sensitive photos and videos on their Galaxy devices was the Secure Folder.
Now let’s see how you can use the One UI 8.5 private album in the Gallery app.
Before proceeding, users should ensure their device is running the latest One UI software version. The One UI 8.5 build is currently only available for a limited number of eligible devices. However, Huawei may soon bring these impressive improvements to more models.
To begin with, open the Gallery app. Select desired images. Once done, tap More (⋮), click on the Move to private album in the toolbar below.

How to access a private album in the Gallery app.
Galaxy users can access their private albums by tapping the menu button on the home screen of the Gallery app. It unlocks with your fingerprint or whatever screen lock method you use, providing enhanced privacy. However, Samsung disables the screenshot functionality within this feature for added security.
-
NEWS11 months agoAbout the Battery Health and performance of Galaxy S25
-
NEWS6 months agoJoin the One UI 8 Beta Program: Experience the latest One UI with Android 16
-
NEWS11 months agoSamsung Android 15 update: Which Galaxy devices will get One UI 7
-
ANDROID8 months agoSamsung Galaxy phones and tablets that should receive Android 16 and One UI 8 update
-
NEWS11 months agoGalaxy S25 to integrate Bixby and AI into camera app
-
NEWS11 months agoOne UI 7 battery icon to show charge levels with dynamic colors
-
NEWS11 months agoSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra battery and Charging test: Upgrade results
-
NEWS12 months agoMore evidence suggests the Galaxy S25 Ultra may eventually adopt this Pixel security feature
