The Stagefright vulnerability of the Android operating system, while dangerous, made Google and other manufacturers of mobile products aware about the seriousness of security on devices which use Android. Most of them acted quite fast and sent a patch against this type of malware, Google was the first one to send it to its Nexus devices and Samsung was a close second and both companies promised to update their devices at least once a month to keep them secure from future threats. Of course, they had to work with mobile carriers to ensure the security of their locked devices.
Now, an update has been spotted for the Verizon version of this year’s flagship models from Samsung, the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and the more recent Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+. The changelog for these four devices is rather ambiguous as it only includes Android security patches. Then, the following paragraph can be read: “We will continue working with Google and handset makers to ensure that any security patches are available as soon as they’re fully tested and approved. Please check the Verizon Support website for the latest software information and version available for your device.” So basically, this is probably one of the first monthly updates to keep these devices secure.
The changelog doesn’t specify the build number of the update, but it should be similar to the build number they currently use. A larger update is expected, as a firmware number that changes on one of the more important digits was spotted recently. It has led to the belief that it could be about Android Marshmallow, the most recent version of the operating system, but since it hasn’t been released yet by Google, this raises a few doubts about its nature. Another recent update available for these four handsets is regarding the mobile payment system from the company, Samsung Pay, the app recently got updated to improve its functionality. Since the service is about to launch in the US, these phones could also be updated to include this app, since this particular carrier is still pending to get on board with the system. Still, it would likely of been mentioned in the changelog.