Google’s Android Update—Bad News For Millions Of Samsung Owners.

## **Google’s Android Update — Bad News For Millions Of Samsung Owners**

Each new Android operating system version typically elicits excitement, anticipation, and high expectations in the technology industry. However, millions of Samsung users have expressed dissatisfaction and concern regarding Android 15, Google's recently announced update. While the update brings many new features and improvements, a significant number of Samsung smartphone owners will be left out.

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### "Android 15: New Features, but Some Devices Missed" Android 15 is a major update in Google's history, introducing:

* Enhanced battery optimization

* More robust privacy controls

* Smarter notification management

* A fresh design language

* Performance that is more secure and smooth This update is part of Google's "Privacy Sandbox" initiative, which is a significant improvement in user data security. Unfortunately, this update will not be available for all devices. ---

### **What Samsung smartphones are missing? **

Both Google and Samsung have confirmed that several older, yet still popular, devices will not be receiving the Android 15 update. These include:

* **Samsung Galaxy S10 series**

*Series of Galaxy Note 10 * **Galaxy A70, A80, and A90**

* **Some Galaxy Tab S and Tab A models**

Numerous users are still using these devices, which are still fully functional. However, being left out of this update means these devices will not receive **new features or security patches**, which is a significant issue for users relying on their devices for everyday tasks.

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### [Security Risikens: More Than Just Missing New Features] While not receiving the most recent features is one thing, security updates are the real issue. Phones today aren’t just used for calls or texts — they store bank accounts, personal data, photos, documents, and much more. Once a phone stops receiving updates, it becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Experts warn that Android devices "at risk of malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks" are "without regular security patches." Many people who use older devices don't know that their phones are getting "vulnerable," which means that their personal data, financial information, and other private information could be exposed. The situation becomes even more concerning when users are unaware of the growing **cybersecurity risks** associated with outdated software. Without the necessary security updates, Samsung customers who still rely on older devices run the increased risk of identity theft and data breaches. ---

### **Samsung's Update Policy: A Step Forward, But Not Enough**

Over the past few years, Samsung has made significant progress in enhancing its software update policy. In 2020, the company committed to providing **three years of Android OS updates** and **four years of security patches** for many of its flagship and mid-range devices.

For example:

*The Galaxy S23 and S24 series * **Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip** models

* **Galaxy A54 and A74** mid-range devices

However, only **newer models** are covered by this policy. Older, but still highly popular devices, like the Galaxy S10 and Note 10, will not be receiving this update. Even though these devices have full hardware capabilities, they won't have software support. While many users of these devices continue using them for daily tasks, they’re unaware that their devices could be **vulnerable to cyber threats**. Samsung’s policy leaves a lot to be desired, as it doesn’t provide a safety net for **loyal customers** who are still using older models.

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### **What Can Users Do? What other options are there? **

For those users who will not receive the Android 15 update, there are mainly three options available:

1. **Buy a New Device:** This option is the simplest but also the most expensive. 2. **Use Custom ROMs:** Devices can be upgraded with custom ROMs, like LineageOS. However, this requires technical knowledge and may be risky.

3. **Continue to Use the Device at Your Own Risk:** While the device will continue to function, users will no longer receive essential **security patches**. Of these, purchasing a new phone is the safest option, though it may not be financially viable for everyone.

Similarly, using custom ROMs can be a potential option for tech-savvy users, but this comes with its own set of risks and isn’t a feasible solution for everyone.

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### **Guidelines for Samsung Users**

To check whether your phone will receive the Android 15 update:

* Go to your phone’s **Settings**

* Select "Software update" * If Android 15 does not appear and your device is on the list of excluded models, you can be sure it won’t get the update.

To keep up with software updates, you can also visit Samsung's official website or use the Samsung Members app. While this is disappointing, it’s a decision Samsung has had to make to balance features, customer demands, and market needs.

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### **Global Impact: Millions of Users Affected**

The Galaxy S10 and Note 10 series together have sold **millions of units** worldwide. This means that the number of users who will be excluded from Android 15 could reach into the **millions**.

Furthermore, several mid-range A series models are also being excluded, and these phones are especially popular in **Asia, South America, and Africa**, meaning that many users will be **left without future updates**, putting their devices at a growing **security risk**.

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### **Android vs iOS: Who’s Ahead in the Update Game? **

A key comparison here is the update policies of Android vs. iOS. An iPhone typically receives **5-6 years of iOS updates**, whereas Android phones usually receive **3 years** of updates.

Samsung has made significant progress toward closing the gap, but it is still far behind Apple. As a result, Samsung's current policy does not meet the needs of customers who intend to use their phones for extended periods of time. ---

### **Final Thoughts: Technology Brings Benefits, But Also Responsibility**

Android 15 from Google is a significant and effective update. However, failing to provide this update to all users is a significant oversight. This serves as a "warning" for Samsung: the company must also take care of its "older users" in addition to selling new phones. Millions of users still rely on older devices. Not only is it a problem for individual users if these devices do not receive regular software updates, but it also poses a "security threat" to the entire digital ecosystem. The Android 15 update represents a technological advance, but it must be available to all users. Samsung, as a leading global brand, must ensure it serves all its customers, old and new, to maintain its reputation for quality and security.