Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus Update: July Security Patch Available

Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge Plus are getting a new update, which specifically aims to improve the smartphones’ security. GSM Arena reported that the July security patch is available for unlocked units in Europe.

The release of the latest firmware update for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and its two other variants, S6 Edge and S6 Edge+, came a few days after Samsung rolled out the patch for the unlocked European Galaxy S7 models. The firmware can be accessed via the Over-the-Air or OTA update process. But because it is being rolled out in stages, some S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge Plus users might need to wait longer for the automatic push notification to arrive on their handset device.

In addition to unlocked units in Europe, the July security update is rolling out now for the AT&T variants of the 2015 Samsung flagship devices. According to the AT&T support page for each variant, a Wi-Fi connection is not needed to install the latest update, which is available via Firmware Over the Air (FOTA).

It is important to have the correct smartphone model before installing any firmware update. The most recent update bringing in device security improvements are currently available for AT&T Samsung units bearing the model number G920A (standard Galaxy S6), G925A (S6 Edge), and G928A ( S6 Edge+). AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy Active carrying the model number G890A can also be updated with the latest security patch.

To check the model number, simply go to Settings and tap About Device. The name and model number of the smartphone should be listed together with other information about the Samsung smartphone.

AT&T’s support page explained that to be able to get the latest software update, subscribers owning a compatible Samsung device need to have the current software version available, which ends in PE6. “If not, repeat the update process below until PE6 is installed and you should be able to then install the above software update,” it noted.

The file size of the firmware update varies, depending on the smartphone model. For instance, AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S6 Active model is getting a 410MB-heavy update while the standard S6 model’s patch weighs 22 MB only.

Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge+ users excited to have the update can manually verify the firmware’s availability by simply heading to the smartphone’s Settings menu. Afterward, choose About Device and then Software Updates. Lastly, tap the Check for Updates option for the system to start searching for any firmware update available for the device. If an update is available, simply follow the on-screen prompts that will appear to commence with the download and installation process. The Samsung smartphone will automatically restart once the security patch is successfully installed.

Apart from the security enhancements, no major changes are included in the latest update. The smartphone should still run on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, which highlights new features such as the battery-saving Doze and App Standby functions. A faster and safer wireless payment service called Android Pay is also supported by the Marshmallow OS.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 is the South Korean tech giant’s 2015 flagship smartphone. It was unveiled March last year and it hit the market a month after, arriving with pre-installed Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, its GSM Arena‘s specs page noted. It is equipped with a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display. Other key features of the Samsung Galaxy S6 are its Exynos 7420 chipset and 16 MP primary camera. As for the design, AT&T’s product page for its Galaxy S6 variant read,

“Stay entertained and connected while on the go with this easy-to-hold smartphone. The Galaxy S6 combines a stunning all-metal bezel and sophisticated glass to create an incredibly slim and lightweight smartphone. It’s the perfect size to take with you virtually anywhere!”

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is the curved edge screen version of the regular S6. Meanwhile, with its name as the obvious hint, S6 Edge+ is the larger variant with the curved edge display.

Here’s a comparison video for Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, from Android Authority’s YouTube channel:

[Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images]