One of the biggest problems with Android is the so-called system fragmentation. “What is it?” Simple, whenever Google launches a new version of Android, it takes a long time until your phone gets it. The main reason is because you depend on manufacturers to bring the version to your device, since it doesn’t come straight from Google. Another reason is that you also depend on carriers, and they tend to make you wait even further – unless you have a Nexus device. Better later than never, but it is here: AT&T customers can finally get their Galaxy S6 and S6 edge updated to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Although the update has been around for unlocked versions of Samsung’s smaller flagships since late July, this weekend AT&T users reported that their phones were getting the update.
Besides performance improvements and security enhancements, the new version brings some new features, the main one being Samsung Pay, the mobile payment system from Samsung. It also comes with subtle design changes with new icons and wallpapers, making TouchWiz look the same as its counterparts on the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy Note edge+. Additionally, the update is bringing the Live Broadcasting feature, Ultra-High Quality Audio (UHQ). Users have also noticed a significant performance boost. Although the company didn’t release a full changelog, the latest firmware from Samsung also gives the option to save pictures in RAW format and low-light photos received some improvements.
AT&T is the last major U.S. carrier to offer Android 5.1.1 for the Galaxy S6/S6 edge, taking about 2 months to release it after the unlocked versions of the devices got the update. T-Mobile was the first one to push it, on August 1st, followed by Sprint and Verizon almost a month later. The update comes as over-the-air (OTA) and weighs in around 660 MB and you should see a notification at the top bar whenever it is ready for you. The thing is, software updates are never available to all users at once. Instead, they are rolled out slowly, so, if you can’t get the update yet, be patient as it shouldn’t take more than a few days to be available. You can also check it manually by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Update. Although these are great news for AT&T users, Google is about to roll out Android 6 Marshmallow, and the question now is how long it will take for Samsung and carriers to deliver the update.