Samsung is taking a significant step forward in its flagship lineup with the Galaxy S25 series, finally introducing seamless updates—a feature long-awaited by Galaxy users. This advancement, first introduced in Android Nougat nearly eight years ago, allows devices to install software updates in the background, eliminating downtime and ensuring a smoother user experience.
Seamless updates, or A/B system updates, enable a phone to create two system partitions: one active and one inactive. While the active partition runs the current software, the inactive one installs the update in the background. Once the update is complete, the phone simply switches to the updated partition upon reboot. This approach ensures uninterrupted usability, a benefit Google Pixel users have enjoyed for years.
Leaked information suggests that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will debut with seamless updates, followed by the S25 and S25+. According to reports from Android Authority, these flagship devices will feature this long-anticipated functionality, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This integration aligns Samsung with Google’s standard for premium smartphone updates.
Interestingly, the Galaxy S25 series is not the first Samsung device to support seamless updates. The mid-range Galaxy A55 introduced this feature earlier in 2024, although its limited availability meant it flew under the radar. Samsung’s reluctance to adopt seamless updates for flagship models—despite Google’s mandate for virtual A/B partitions with Android 13—sparked criticism. While the Galaxy S23 and S24 missed out, the Galaxy S25 series finally bridges the gap.
Samsung fans won’t have to wait long. The Galaxy S25 lineup will officially launch on January 22, 2025, with retail availability starting February 7. Alongside seamless updates, these devices are expected to offer top-tier performance and cutting-edge features.
The addition of seamless updates to the Galaxy S25 series marks a significant milestone for Samsung. This long-overdue feature promises to elevate the software update experience for users, ensuring convenience and efficiency. As Samsung catches up to Google’s standards, Galaxy enthusiasts can finally enjoy a smoother update process on par with the competition.
