Samsung users have been left frustrated and confused as the company’s critical update for May appears to be delayed and only available for a limited number of devices. Despite improvements in Samsung’s monthly updates over the past year, users are still facing uncertainties about when and for whom the updates will be available.
The May 2024 security patch, which includes critical fixes like a Qualcomm modem issue and a change log vulnerability, has only been released for a few Galaxy S22 devices so far. This delayed rollout schedule is concerning, as devices are left vulnerable until patched. The Qualcomm modem issue, a memory corruption vulnerability that could potentially be exploited to force a device into erratic behavior, poses a significant risk if not addressed promptly.
The critical fix for the change log vulnerability could lead to a local escalation of privilege on affected devices, according to Google. While specifics are limited, the severity of the vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing necessary software defenses to mitigate potential exploits. This issue underscores the urgency of timely updates for all Samsung devices, not just the flagship models.
Many Samsung Galaxy users are also disappointed by the fact that not all devices receive monthly updates, with some older or cheaper models relegated to a quarterly or biannual schedule. This disparity in update frequency leaves some users at a disadvantage in terms of security protection and feature enhancements, particularly when critical fixes are delayed.
The delay in Samsung’s May update is especially problematic for Galaxy S23 owners who are stuck between the initial release for the S24 and the current limited availability. With three critical fixes included in the update, users are eager to receive the necessary security patches and bug fixes to safeguard their devices from potential vulnerabilities.
In comparison to Apple, which leads in co-ordinated updates across all devices and regions, Android’s update process remains fragmented due to the various models, regions, and carrier restrictions. As both Samsung and Google continue to introduce new features and services to compete with Apple, the need for a more streamlined and timely update process becomes increasingly important in a security-conscious landscape where new malware threats are constantly evolving. While Google’s recent updates at Google I/O promise exciting new features, the security update process must be improved to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape and ensure the protection of all Android users.
