NEWS
Galaxy S23 is the latest to get January 2025 update
Following the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has kicked off the January 2025 security update for the Galaxy S23 series phones. With this firmware, the Korean tech giant has posted the latest safety fixes for the security system and boosts the overall health of your handset.
Meanwhile, the tech giant is gearing up for the One UI 7 update rollout for Galaxy devices. In recent days, Samsung has been testing a new build for a number of devices including Galaxy S models, Galaxy A phones, Galaxy M, and tablets.
January 2025 security update lands on Galaxy S23 series
As of now, the company is bringing the January 2025 security update for the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra devices. Users can identify the firmware with One UI version S911BXXS7CXL2, S916BXXS7CXL2, and S918BXXS7CXL2, respectively. Besides, you need to download a firmware package of 381 Megabytes. We advise using a standard Wi-Fi connection and adequate battery level to download the firmware.
According to the information, this update fixes various levels of exploits and issues present in the device system. Apart from this, it also addresses the vulnerabilities found in the previous software upgrade and ensures better security for your important data and inputs.
Apart from the security patch, users may find hidden optimizations for the major aspects of the device like SoundPicker, Samsung Message, NotificationManager, Protection Mechanism Failure in the bootloader, and performance efficiency. However, the update doesn’t mention any such specifics for the moment.
You can manually download the firmware by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. The whole process can take time though, so keep calm and have a great day!
One UI 7 for Galaxy S23 series – When?
The ultimate device is spinning around the One UI 7 upgrade confusion. Users are constantly eyeing the major upgrade for their Galaxy S23 handsets. Yet, Samsung has not mentioned any specifics on this matter so far.
Even though the Galaxy S23 series stands as a top lineup, it does not join the beta program. We have entered January 2025 and probably this month, the company might unveil new insights about the One UI 7 rollout and mark confirmation on this matter at Galaxy Unpacked 2025.
Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 8 Watch update for the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, and Galaxy Watch 5 LTE. The One UI 8 Watch update is based on the Wear OS 6.
Note that the stable One UI 8 Watch update is currently available only to Galaxy Watch 4 users in South Korea. The company has not yet provided a timeline for when this update will be available in the global market.
However, the Galaxy Watch 5 LTE is already receiving the One UI 8 Watch update in India. Given the pace of the One UI 8 update rollout, it shouldn’t be long before it becomes widely available.
Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 4 Classic, and Galaxy Watch 5 LTE users can identify the latest software via the PDA build version ending with JYK4 and DYK4, respectively. The firmware also carries the October 2025 security patch. The stable update unlocks even better performance, power efficiency, and stability.
One UI 8 Watch brings a completely new tile system that improves accessibility. This update also optimizes overall performance and battery efficiency with app updates. You can look forward to a whole new world of smartwatch ventures.
To download the update, check for software updates. Your watch may already have an OTA update pending for your approval. Press the download and install button.
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.
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