In a surprising development, Samsung has released a new software update to its 2017 flagships, the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Both models are picking up the May 2021 Android security patch with the latest update.
The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ arrived running Android 7.0 Nougat back in April 2017. The phones received their first major update to Android 8.0 Oreo in February 2018, followed by the Android 9.0 Pie-based One UI update a year later. As of April 2021, the devices completed four years in the market. Samsung expectedly removed both models from its software update list in May this year. However, to everyone’s surprise, they are now receiving a new security update.
The May 2021 security maintenance release (SMR) contains fixes for dozens of software vulnerabilities found in Android OS. Additionally, the release also patches 23 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) items, which are security flaws exclusive to Samsung devices.
SVE items patched include a high-risk improper caller check vulnerability in Knox Core that allowed attackers to install an arbitrary app. There are also several other fixes related to the Secure Folder, S Secure, and Samsung DeX. All of these fixes are now being seeded to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.
Samsung is rolling out a new update to Galaxy S8 and S8+
The latest update for the Galaxy S8 series is currently rolling out to users in Bolivia. The OTA (over the air) package is identified by the build number G95xFXXUCDUE1. The rollout should expand to more regions over the next few weeks. Since the Galaxy S8 and S8+ aren’t likely on Samsung’s priority list, it could take longer for everyone around the globe to receive the new update.
Nonetheless, if you are one of those still holding onto either of these four-year-old Galaxy phones, then a new update is coming your way. Make sure to install it as early as possible to increase the security level of your phone. Updating the software of your Galaxy smartphone is a fairly simple process. You are likely to get a notification prompting you to download the OTA update once it becomes available for your device. Tapping the notification and following the instructions on the screen will be enough to update it.
If you didn’t receive the notification or mistakenly erased it, you can still trigger the OTA update quite easily. Simply navigate to Settings » Software update » Download and install and you’re all set. If an update is available, you’ll be prompted to download it on the next screen.