Samsung’s Free Android Upgrade Brings Better Security to Galaxy Phones
Samsung’s next Galaxy update may arrive with stronger security controls… but some users are watching their battery meters more closely than the release calendar.
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update is expected to add protections for theft, failed authentication attempts, app blocking, and inactivity restarts. According to reports, the rollout could begin in Korea first before expanding globally in the following days. The update is expected to be available as a free upgrade for supported Galaxy devices.
The timing is awkward: some Galaxy S25 and S24 users are reporting rapid battery drain and overheating after a recent security update, raising questions about whether Samsung’s next software release will bring relief, new features, or more uncertainty.
Who will get the upgrade first?
The stable One UI 8.5 software program began in December 2025 and has seen 10 beta releases so far, according to Sammy Fans, which noted that this makes it “the most criticized software testing campaign Samsung has ever launched.”
The latest software has brought new AI features and bug fixes, the site observed.
The assumption is that devices in Korea will receive the upgrade first, “and expansion will follow in the coming days and weeks for all users,” the site said. It cited May 4 as the date the global rollout is expected to begin. The upgrade is expected to include the latest security fixes as well.
Must-read security coverage
Android angst
However, those with a Galaxy S25 or S24 phone are likely not singing a happy tune as Samsung’s most recent security update is reportedly causing batteries to drain rapidly and devices to overheat.
It’s not just Samsung owners — Google’s Pixel owners are also reporting “severe” battery drain after the most recent security update.
The timing of the Samsung upgrade is noteworthy. Google has given the Pixel security innovations and upgrades, and has received the latest Android firmware months ahead of the larger Samsung install base. Pixels have also been quicker to receive fixes.
However, 2026 has not been an easy one for Google because, in addition to battery drain issues, multiple Pixel models have experienced constant reboots and blackouts sparked by the updates. Three out of four Galaxy S25 and S24 users are affected, according to a poll conducted by Android Authority.
“The exact cause of the issue is still unknown,” the site said. “The company has yet to acknowledge the issue, leaving users without a fix.”
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Possible culprits
One potential suggested cause is Meta apps. Another could be Samsung’s Knox Matrix app, which allows Samsung devices to communicate with each other and isolate devices affected by cyber threats so they don’t spread across a network.
The site theorizes that the app’s recent enhancement may be the culprit.
“It’s truly tormenting when you install an update,” Android Authority reported, “only for it to ruin an important aspect of your phone, such as the battery.” Some users have noted that their batteries drain within just a few hours.
Also read: Google brought end-to-end encrypted Gmail to Android and iOS for eligible Workspace users, extending secure mobile email without extra apps.
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