- Seamless (A/B) updates planned for the Galaxy S25
- Streamlines the device update process
- First introduced by Google in 2016
We're approaching the expected January launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25, and the latest rumor about this series of phones suggests that it will receive an update in terms of how updates are applied at the most fundamental level.
According to tipster @chunvn8888 (via SamMobile), the Galaxy S25 phones will receive A/B updates, also known as in-app updates. These updates cover new versions of Android, as well as minor security patches and fixes.
The name A/B refers to the way the next software update (B) is downloaded and configured on a separate storage partition while the current software (A) continues to run. Most of the heavy lifting is done behind the scenes while you continue using your phone.
A reboot is still required to apply the update, but the reboot happens more quickly—much of the installation work is already done, so you don't have to spend as much time watching the progress bar move across the screen.
How to get to the program
Google introduced the A/B updates option for Android in 2016, so it took some time for Samsung to introduce it to the Galaxy series, if the prediction turns out to be accurate.
However, the Galaxy S25 wouldn't be the first Samsung phone to have this functionality: it's also available on the Samsung Galaxy A55 that launched earlier this year. However, it would be the first time it would appear on a Samsung flagship phone.
As SamMobile points out, A/B support needs to be built in at the hardware level; It's not something that can be added to a phone at a later date. Either a phone has A/B capabilities or it doesn't, over the life of the device.
We should see three Galaxy S25 phones appear in January, if Samsung copies its 2024 launch schedule into 2025. There have already been plenty of leaks, covering everything from planned color options to key internal specifications.
