Samsung has a history of launching Galaxy phones with outdated security updates, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. The new flagship comes with the December 2024 security patch and the October 2024 Google Play system update. While a new Google Play system update was available upon setup, the device remained on the October 2024 version even after installation.
Samsung needs to update the Galaxy S25 Ultra to new security releases
While monthly security updates address vulnerabilities in various Android OS and Galaxy components, Google Play system updates improve the functionality and security of core Android features and services. It’s important for users to install the latest available patches to ensure maximum security and optimal experience. The January and February security patches fix nearly 100 vulnerabilities across the Galaxy family.
We understand that Samsung shipped the Galaxy S25 Ultra with the December 2024 build — the first production batch was likely packed before the January update became available. However, the company could have installed a newer Google Play system update. If not, it could have at least rolled out the latest builds over the past week so early buyers get new updates out of the box. But not to be.
Interestingly, the Galaxy S25 Ultra did receive a new Google Play system update but it didn’t introduce a newer build. This isn’t the first time we have experienced this on a Galaxy phone. In fact, there have been instances in the past where Galaxy devices didn’t receive a new Google Play system update for several months. We hope the Galaxy S25 Ultra won’t suffer the same fate.
We will surely let you know when Samsung rolls out a new security patch and Google Play system update to the new flagship. The February 2025 builds are yet to be available for any Galaxy device. You can always check for these updates manually from the Settings app on your phone. Go to the Software update menu and tap on Download and Install to check for security updates.
For new Google Play releases, go to About phone > Software information > Google Play system update. When a new update is downloaded, you need to restart your phone to complete the installation process. Thankfully, the Galaxy S25 Ultra supports seamless updates, so the total downtime is much less than older models. Updates are installed in the background, so you do have to sit out through the process. Apart from the Galaxy S25 series, the Galaxy A55 is the only other Samsung phone to support seamless updates.
