‘Starting April 30’—Samsung’s Free Android Upgrade Goes Live

InnovationCybersecurity‘Starting April 30’—Samsung’s Free Android Upgrade Goes LiveByZak Doffman,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Zak Doffman writes about cybersecurity, surveillance and privacy.Follow AuthorApr 27, 2026, 01:45am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.One UI 8.5 is finally here. For some.CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty ImagesIt’s finally here — probably. Samsung’s latest Android upgrade, bringing Galaxy smartphone owners some of the innovations Pixels have enjoyed for some time is “poised to release” this week. Millions of users will have their fingers crossed.Samsung’s One UI 8.5 “strengthens device protection,” Samsung says, “and gives users clearer control over their security settings.” This includes enhancements to Theft Protection, Failed Authentication Lock, Auto Blocker and Inactivity Restart.ForbesGoogle Confirms Gmail Upgrade And Warns Of ‘Sophisticated’ AI AttacksBy Zak DoffmanPer SammyFans, “based on leaks, the company is poised to release this firmware update to all Galaxy S25 series users starting April 30. The program kicked off in early December and has seen 10 beta releases so far. Making it the most criticised software testing campaign Samsung has ever launched.”As ever, it’s almost certain that deices in Korea will receive the upgrade first, “and expansion will follow in the coming days and weeks for all users.” The date targeted for a global rollout is reportedly May 4. The upgrade will likely bring the latest security fixes as well, ensuring a level playing field. if (!window.cnxel) { window.cnxel = {}; window.cnxel.cmd = []; var iframe = document.createElement('iframe'); iframe.style.display = 'none'; iframe.onload = function() { var iframeDoc = iframe.contentWindow.document; var script = iframeDoc.createElement('script'); script.src = '//cd.elements.video/player.js?cid=62cec241-7d09-4462-afc2-f72...