Samsung has once again proven its commitment to device security by rolling out the October 2024 security update, now reaching the Galaxy A55. If you’re the lucky owner of this mid-range powerhouse, here’s what you need to know about the latest patch and what it means for your device’s performance and protection.
The Breakdown: What’s New in the October Update?
The update, carrying the firmware version A556EXXS5AXI4, comes with a hefty 200MB file size. While Samsung has kept the changelog fairly generic, don’t let the simplicity fool you. This update packs 40 security fixes, including several critical ones that address vulnerabilities found in Android systems, as well as some specific to Galaxy devices.
While there are no flashy new features this time around, the main goal is bolstering your phone’s defense against potential attacks.
One thing to note, though: once you update to this version, there’s no rolling back. The bootloader number has jumped from 4 to 5, locking the previous firmware version out for good
Where is the Update Rolling Out?
If you’re based in Asia—India, Malaysia, or the Philippines—you’re likely among the first to get this patch. Samsung plans to expand the rollout to other regions, including Europe, soon. Sadly, this time, US users won’t be joining the party. Samsung only launched the Galaxy A35 in the US, leaving the A55 as a global but non-US option.
Android’s Seamless Updates: A Galaxy A55 Exclusive
One standout feature that sets the Galaxy A55 apart from the rest of the A-series is its support for Android’s seamless updates (A/B system). This cool feature allows the device to download and install updates in the background while you continue to use your phone. Once the installation is complete, you only need to reboot to activate the new firmware—no more downtime waiting for updates/
What Does the October Patch Fix?
The October 2024 update tackles 30 vulnerabilities in Android, two of which are marked as critical due to their potential to cause memory corruption.
Additionally, 12 security flaws that only affect Galaxy devices, particularly those running on Exynos chipsets, are also patched. For Galaxy users, these fixes aim to prevent unauthorized access to your data and block attackers from exploiting weaknesses in the system.
How to Install the Update
To get this update, head over to Settings > Software Update on your Galaxy A55 and hit Download and Install. You can also enable automatic updates so you don’t have to keep checking manually
Final Thoughts
The October update may not come with flashy new features, but its importance in keeping your device safe and secure can’t be overstated. Samsung’s commitment to regular security updates, especially for mid-range devices like the Galaxy A55, ensures users remain protected from emerging threats.
So, while you may not notice visible changes, rest assured that your Galaxy A55 is a lot more secure after this update.