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Galaxy phones are suddenly getting Google Play system updates again

Google’s Play system updates haven’t touched Samsung Galaxy devices in some time, dating back to mid-2025. According to more than a few reports, those updates have resumed. At least, for now.

Out of nowhere, a new Google Play system update has hit tons of Galaxy devices. Multiple reports claim that Samsung’s Galaxy S devices and foldables are getting a system upgrade from Google. We’re seeing the same prompt on our devices, like the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The sudden update is notable because a Google Play System update hasn’t been available for Galaxy phones in quite some time. Whether or not this was due to conflicts in One UI 8 that didn’t allow Google to distribute software changes is unknown. What is known is that Google Play updates are a pipeline for vital improvements to Android builds.

It isn’t exactly clear which devices are getting the update, but it appears to be a widely available update. Users report seeing the patch on Galaxy A devices, which generally suggests the majority of Samsung’s supported devices are in line.

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The download is available under security updates in the Galaxy settings, as any other update would be. The patch is dated January 1, which was Google’s previously rolled out security upgrade, as Pixel devices are currently getting February’s patch. The timeframe doesn’t matter in this instance, given the massive gap between the last patch and this one.

It appears the patch is rolling out on devices with the stable version of One UI 8. Some users on beta builds report no updates, which is understandable. The update looks to be around 90mb, though it’s unclear what Samsung devices get of Google’s January update.

H/T: SamMobile

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