Samsung is rolling out the October Security Update for the unlocked Galaxy S21 and September Security Update for Carrier variants
September isn't over yet, but Samsung has begun seeding the October Security Update for its current generation flagship series in various Countries. This includes the likes of the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus and the S21 Ultra.
Users from Europe, UK, and India are reporting that they have received the update over-the-air. The firmware is based on Android 11 with Samsung's One UI 3.1 on top. The South Korean electronics giant has not announced the vulnerabilities that were fixed in the new software.
On a side note, the TizenHelp blog says that the update adds brings a new feature called Digital Key that can be used with some cars, in Kenya. Samsung is also prepping the October Update for its foldable devices. The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Flip3 in Korea have already received the latest patch. The new build number for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is F926NKSU1AUID, while that of the Galaxy Z Flip3 is F711NKSU2AUIE. This update is expected to ship to other Countries soon.
September Security Update for Samsung Galaxy devices
Meanwhile many users from around the world have posted on the Samsung Community forums, that they have received the September Security Update for the Galaxy S10, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy M20, etc. The September Security Update includes fixes for over two dozen vulnerabilities. If you're interested in learning more about them, you can find the details here.
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - G998BXXU3AUIE (284 MB)
- Galaxy Fold - F926BXXU1AUI4 (839 MB)
- Galaxy M20 - M205FDDU8CUI1 (217.90 MB)
Please note that the firmware numbers differ based on the region, and carrier variants.
Users from the US on Carrier-locked versions from Verizon Wireless are also receiving the September Security Update. We can't really blame Samsung for the delayed release, as these are usually controlled by the carriers, who have to process the software update to ensure that everything works on their network.
Build numbers for Verizon Wireless devices
- Galaxy S20 5G UW - RP1A.200720.012.G981VSQU2DUI2
- Galaxy S20 Plus 5G - RP1A.200720.012.G986USQS2DUI1
- Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G - RP1A.200720.012.G988USQS2DUI1
- Galaxy Z Fold2 5G - RP1A.200720.012.F916USQS2EUH9
- Galaxy S21 5G - RP1A.200720.012.G991USQU4AUIG
- Galaxy S21 Plus 5G - RP1A.200720.012.G996USQU4AUIG
- Galaxy S21 Plus 5G - RP1A.200720.012.G998USQU4AUIG
- Galaxy Z Fold3 5G- RP1A.200720.012.F926USQU1AUI5
- Galaxy Z Flip3 5G - RP1A.200720.012.F711USQU2AUI5
Reference: Verizon support, Droid Life, Samsung Community 1, 2, 3
T-Mobile's site says its devices have been updated to the August Security patch, while AT & T's site mentions that its devices are still on the June Patch. SamMobile notes that the carrier-locked Galaxy Z Fold3 is getting the F926USQU1AUI4 firmware, while the unlocked variant is receiving the build with the number F926U1UEU1AUI4.
If you haven't received the update, you can try checking for it manually from the Settings > Software update screen.
Samsung's efforts to update its devices are quite good compared to other OEMs. It was the first company to commit to providing 4 years of security updates for its devices. You can find a list of eligible devices on the official website. The company has been working on the Android 12 update for its Galaxy S21 series, the open beta program for One UI 4.0 went live recently.
Have you received the September or October update on your Galaxy phone? Share the firmware number with us.
