Galaxy S9 gets new update with April security patch, other enhancements

Samsung has released the April 2020 security patch for another of its flagship smartphones. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are receiving a new software update and are getting the latest security fixes in the package, along with a number of other enhancements. Before you ask, no, this isn’t an update to One UI 2.1, and last we checked, the latest version of One UI will not be arriving on the Galaxy S9 or the Galaxy Note 9.

More than just a security update

According to the changelog, the update enhances security for Samsung accounts, which we’re assuming is separate from the mandatory two-factor authentication the Korean giant introduced to its cloud service recently. The update also enhances compatibility of the S9 and S9+ with the Camera Controller app for the Galaxy Watch. The Camera Controller app lets you control the phone’s camera on compatible Galaxy smartwatches, and if you haven’t already been using it, you can download it here (open the link on your phone to be taken directly to the Galaxy Store).

The update also improves the stability of the Messages, Contacts, Gallery, and Camera apps. All in all, after Android 10 and One UI 2.0, this is the first update for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ that brings more than just the latest security patch to the two phones. Again, there’s no One UI 2.1, though we will continue to hold out hope that it will arrive on the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy Note 9 at some point in the future.

If you own a Galaxy S9 or S9+, you can download the update — firmware version G96xFXXU8DTC5 — on your phone by opening the Settings app, selecting Software update, and tapping Download and install. The update is currently available in Germany but will no doubt roll out in more markets in the coming days. You can also download the latest firmware for your S9 or S9+ from our firmware archive for manually updating using a Windows computer.