Samsung Galaxy phones falling behind on Google Play system updates

Galaxy phones are having a problem with Google Play system updates right now

Galaxy devices are falling behind on Google Play system updates, likely due to the One UI 8 rollout.

Abhijeet Mishra

Reading time: 2 minutes

In addition to security updates released by device manufacturers, Android devices are protected through Google Play system updates. These updates can be delivered independently of firmware releases, allowing Google to patch security vulnerabilities in certain operating system components without waiting for a full OS update.

Galaxy phones and tablets usually receive Google Play system updates alongside Samsung’s regular security patches. However, from time to time, these updates stop arriving on schedule, leaving Galaxy devices on noticeably older Play system versions. We we appear to be at that point once again.

Galaxy devices are falling behind on Google Play system updates

As reported by GalaxyClub, most Galaxy phones (and likely tablets as well) haven’t received a Google Play system update since August, or even July in some cases. Some newer and more expensive models have made it to September, but overall, Play system updates are no longer keeping pace with Samsung’s standard security updates.

For example, the Galaxy S25 series is still running the September Google Play system update, despite already receiving Samsung’s December security patch. A newer version is only available on One UI 8.5 beta builds. The same situation applies to devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.

This isn’t the first time Google Play system updates have stalled on Samsung devices, and it likely won’t be the last. The issue tends to surface around the time Samsung rolls out a new version of One UI and Android. In previous years, Play system updates usually resumed afterward, often around January.

Things should go back to normal soon

Samsung has released One UI 8 for all eligible Galaxy devices, so Play system updates should, in theory, start rolling out again soon, assuming the upcoming One UI 8.5 update doesn’t complicate matters.

Typically, Samsung rolls out only one major One UI/Android update around this time of year, but 2025 has been unusual. Two major One UI releases happened in less than six months, and a mid-cycle update is already in development.

We’ll keep an eye on the situation and let you know if anything changes. In the meantime, you can check whether a Google Play system update is available for your device by heading to Settings > Security and privacy > Updates > Google Play system update.

Abhijeet Mishra - Editor-in-Chief

[email protected]

First Samsung device: SGH-D500

Abhijeet's writing career started with guides for custom firmware for Samsung devices (including the original Galaxy S), and he moved to SamMobile in mid-2013 and worked up the ranks to Editor-in-chief. In addition to phones and mobile devices, his interests include gaming on both PC and console, PC hardware, and spending countless hours on YouTube watching videos on tech, movies, games, politics, and internet dramas.

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