Now that Android 9.0 Pie is rolling out to select Galaxy models around the world we want to give Samsung Galaxy owners a look at what we know, and think we know, about the company’s plans for 2019 and beyond.
Android P is officially called Android 9.0 Pie and it’s available for Google Pixel devices and devices from select Android OEM’s.
With Android 9.0 Pie rolling out and the Android Oreo roll out slowing down, owners of Samsung’s Galaxy-branded phones and tablets are wondering about the future.
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Samsung hasn’t confirmed every single detail, but thanks to announcements, rumors and leaks, we can give you an overview of its plans for Galaxy phones and tablets.
In this guide we’re going to take you through what you should know about Android Pie if you own a Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, or another Galaxy phone or tablet.
Let’s start with what we know about Samsung’s monthly Android updates for Galaxy devices.
Samsung Galaxy September Security Update
Samsung is rolling out its September update to Galaxy devices. The company is starting with the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+ and we expect the company to deploy the update for more devices in the weeks ahead.
The September update fixes four critical vulnerabilities and over a dozen high and moderate risk ones. In addition, the update brings fixes for 17 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures in Samsung’s own software.
For more on the September patch, take a look at Samsung’s guide.
Samsung Galaxy August Security Update
Google and Samsung are rolling out the August security update.
Samsung’s version of the August update contains fixes for seven critical vulnerabilities in the Android operating system and fixes for 17 vulnerabilities that impact Galaxy devices.
The update is currently rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy S10, the unlocked Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy A50, Galaxy A20, Galaxy A30, Galaxy M40, Galaxy M30, Galaxy M20, Galaxy A6+, Galaxy A5 (2017), Galaxy J7 Pro, Galaxy J5 Prime, Galaxy J5 (2017), Galaxy J4+, and Galaxy J4 Core.
Some of Samsung’s August updates bring more than just security patches. For example, the Galaxy A50’s update improves fingerprint recognition and the Galaxy M40’s update brings a dedicated QR scanner and Night Mode.
The change logs will vary from device-to-device and carrier-to-carrier.
Samsung’s put together a list of devices getting monthly and quarterly security updates. The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge have been removed from the list. So have the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+.
That said, Samsung’s pushed out newer security updates to the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge so just because a device isn’t listed doesn’t mean it won’t get updates down the road.
Here are the devices set to get security updates for the foreseeable future:
Monthly Security Updates
- Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S8 Active, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 5G
- Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9
- Galaxy A5 (2017), Galaxy A8 (2018)
Current Models for Quarterly Security Updates
- Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy S7 Active, Galaxy S8 Lite, Galaxy Note FE
- Galaxy A5 (2016), Galaxy A6, Galaxy A6+, Galaxy A7 (2018)
- Galaxy A8+ (2018), Galaxy A8 Star, Galaxy A8s, Galaxy A9 (2018)
- Galaxy A2 Core, Galaxy A10, Galaxy A10e, Galaxy A20, Galaxy A20e, Galaxy A30, Galaxy A40, Galaxy A50, Galaxy A60, Galaxy A70, Galaxy A80
- Galaxy J2 (2018), Galaxy J2 Core, Galaxy J3 Top
- Galaxy J4, Galaxy J4+, Galaxy J4 Core, Galaxy J6, Galaxy J6+
- Galaxy J7 Duo, Galaxy J7 Top, Galaxy J7 Prime2, Galaxy J7+, Galaxy J8
- Galaxy M10, Galaxy M20, Galaxy M30, Galaxy M40
- Galaxy Tab A (2017), Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018), Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019), Galaxy Tab A 8 Plus (2019), Galaxy Tab Active2
- Galaxy Tab S4, Galaxy Tab S5e, Galaxy Tab E 8 Refresh, Galaxy View2
- Galaxy Xcover 4s
Current Models for Other Regular Security Updates
- Galaxy A3 (2016), Galaxy A3 (2017), Galaxy A7 (2017)
- Galaxy J3 (2017), Galaxy J3 Pop, Galaxy J5 (2016), Galaxy J5 (2017), Galaxy J5 Prime, Galaxy J7 (2016), Galaxy J7 (2017), Galaxy J7 Prime, Galaxy J7 Pop, Galaxy J7 Max, Galaxy J7 Neo
- Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016), Galaxy Tab S2 L Refresh, Galaxy Tab S2 S Refresh, Galaxy Tab S3
Samsung Galaxy Android Pie: What’s New
Thanks to the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 Pie updates we have our official look at Samsung’s version of Android 9.0 which includes a new user interface dubbed One UI. It looks a lot different than Samsung’s previous interfaces.
The UI was formerly known as Samsung Experience and TouchWiz and most devices are currently running Samsung Experience 9.5 or Experience 9.0.
Highlights from Android 9.0 Pie and the One UI include:
- Night Mode
- Unicode 11.0
- New card style UI with curved edges.
- Redesigned Quick Settings with rounded buttons.
- Updated lock screen w/ a new clock design.
- Improvements to the Samsung Dialer.
- Improvements to Always on Display.
- Revamped Samsung Messages.
- Bixby Home UI changes including curved borders.
- Floating keyboard.
- Lift to wake.
- Bixby button remapping.
Samsung’s version of Android Pie also comes with Adaptive Battery, Adaptive Brightness, and many of the other base-level features Google brought to the operating system. You can read more about those in our Android 9.0 Pie versus Android Oreo walkthrough.
The Galaxy S9’s Android Pie update brings the Galaxy Note 9’s Scene Optimizer for the camera which automatically enhances colors to fit the photo’s environment.
It also delivers the Galaxy Note 9’s Flaw Detection feature. If you’re unfamiliar, the Galaxy Note 9’s software detects flaws like blurriness, blinking, and smudges in your photos.
For more, take a look at our guides covering the Galaxy S9, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, and Galaxy S7 Android Pie updates.
These Galaxy Devices Will Get Android Pie
Samsung typically keeps devices updated with major Android software updates for two years. Samsung could alter this policy for Android Pie, but that doesn’t appear likely at this point.
Here are the devices that will move from Android Oreo to Android Pie in 2019:
Many of these updates have been confirmed via official Samsung Android Pie roadmaps.
Samsung is also rolling the One UI out to some of its wearables including the Galaxy Watch, Gear S3, and Gear Sport. The update also includes improved workout and sleep tracking.
Android Pie also powers the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 5G, and the Galaxy Fold. It also powers the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Tab S6.
These Galaxy Devices Might Not Get Android Pie
As for the rest of Samsung’s lineup, here are a few devices that might not make the move from Android Oreo to Android Pie in 2019:
Devices that have received two major software updates (Nougat, Oreo), are currently on the fence when it comes to Android Pie. Popular models like the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge aren’t included on Samsung’s official Android Pie roadmaps.
The Galaxy S7 appeared to get certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance running Android Pie, but the documentation has been pulled and it now looks like it was a mistake.
Older devices like the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5 probably won’t get upgraded to Android Pie. Neither device received an upgrade to Android Oreo.
Samsung typically provides two major Android updates before killing off support. It could make some major changes with Android Pie, but nothing is confirmed and a release for older models like the Galaxy S7 appears unlikely.
Samsung Galaxy Android Pie Release Date
If you own a Galaxy phone or tablet that’s relatively new, you’ll likely get Android Pie in 2019.
Samsung’s pushing the Android Pie update to the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ and the official version is rolling out in several regions including:
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Israel
- India
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Spain
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Russia
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- United States
- Many others
The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ Android Pie update is rolling out in the U.S. and it’s available for carrier-locked models on Comcast’s Xfinity network, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and U.S. Cellular.
T-Mobile is also rolling the Android Pie update out and it brings the One UI and RCS Universal Profile 1.0 support to its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ models.
RCS Universal Profile 1.0 support allow you to send emojis, videos, photos, and more via standard messaging which means you no longer need to use an app like WhatsApp to do so.
The Android Pie update is also pushing to unlocked Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ models in the United States. The update is a 1.8GB download.
Samsung has also released Android Pie for the Galaxy Note 9 and it’s available in many countries including:
- Belgium
- Croatia
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
- India
- Poland
- Spain
- South Korea
- UAE
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Turkey
- Many others
AT&T is rolling out the Galaxy Note 9 Android Pie update right now. Sprint, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, and T-Mobile are also rolling out their updates.
The Android Pie update is also pushing out to the unlocked Galaxy Note 9 in the United States. The update is 1.7GB and includes new security patches.
Rogers, a Canadian carrier, says it’s rolling out its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 Android Pie updates as well. Fellow Canadian carrier Telus is also rolling out the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S9 Pie updates.
Samsung is pushing the Galaxy Note 8 Android Pie update. The upgrade is rolling out in Bulgaria and Slovakia, two regions that weren’t part of the beta program, though the final version of the software is also available to beta testers as well.
The Galaxy Note 8 Pie update is also moving out to users in:
- India
- Iran
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- United States
- Many others
Sprint was the first U.S. carrier to the Galaxy Note 8’s Android Pie update though AT&T, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon have since joined it. It’s also pushing out to the unlocked Galaxy Note 8 in the U.S.
Samsung’s also released Android Pie for the Galaxy Note FE (Fan Edition). The device, which replaced the Galaxy Note 7, is getting the update in the Middle East.
Samsung is also pushing out the Galaxy S8/Galaxy S8+ Android Pie update and the software is pushing to users in Germany, the Netherlands, Nordic countries, and other regions right now. The other regions include:
- India
- Italy
- Romania
- Spain
- UAE
- Vietnam
- Turkey
- United States
- Many others
Sprint was the first US-based Galaxy S8 carrier to Android Pie but it has since been joined by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon (Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+). It’s also rolling out to the unlocked Galaxy S8 model in the U.S.
Samsung’s also rolling Android Pie out to the Galaxy A8+ (2018) in Russia and India, the Galaxy A8 (2018) update in Russia, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, the Galaxy A9 (2018) update in Poland, and the Galaxy A7 (2018) in Russia. Android Pie is rolling out to the Galaxy A6+ in Europe and other regions.
The Galaxy J Android Pie update is rolling out as well and it’s hitting the Galaxy J8, Galaxy J6+, Galaxy J6, Galaxy J4+, and Galaxy J4.
On top of that, Samsung’s pushed the Android Pie update to the Galaxy Tab S4. The update is available in a bunch of countries countries and it has also spread to devices in the United States. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon are rolling the update out right now.
Samsung’s also pushing Pie to the Galaxy On7, Galaxy J7, Galaxy J7 Pro, Galaxy J7 Duo, Galaxy J7 Nxt, Galaxy J5 (2017), Galaxy J3 (2017), Galaxy A9 Star, Galaxy A8 Star, Galaxy A8s, Galaxy Tab S3, Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018), Galaxy Tab A (2017), Galaxy Tab Active 2, Galaxy M10, Galaxy M20, and Galaxy M30.
Verizon’s rolling out Android Pie to four other Galaxy devices including the Samsung Galaxy J7 V (2nd Gen.), Samsung Galaxy J7 (2nd Gen.), Galaxy J3 (2018), and Galaxy J3V (2018).
AT&T’s pushing Pie to the 8-inch Galaxy Tab A. So is Verizon. T-Mobile is also rolling the Android Pie update out to the Galaxy J7 Star.
Samsung’s also testing Android Pie on other mid-range devices. The Galaxy J2 has been certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance running the Android Pie update.
The Galaxy J5 Pro (2017) has also been certified with Android Pie on board which means it should get the upgrade sometime this summer.
Samsung Turkey’s confirmed several upcoming Android Pie updates and says it plans to push Pie to the Galaxy Tab S3 on September 5th and Galaxy J5 Pro on September 11th.
Samsung Galaxy Android 10 Update
Google’s confirmed the Android 10 update and it’s now available for the Pixel, Pixel 2, Pixel 3.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed plans for Android Q, officially known as Android 10, and it will probably take awhile for the company to do so.
Samsung is reportedly testing the Android 10 update on the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 lines behind the scenes which bodes well for owners of the latest flagships.
We expect the first Galaxy Android 10 updates to start rolling out sometime in late 2019 or early 2020 with the company’s new One UI 2.0 on board.
Look for the Android 10 update to hit flagships like Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy Note 10, and Galaxy Tab S6 before it hits mid-range devices and older flagships.
In addition, the rumored Samsung Galaxy S11 is expected to carry Android 10 along with an upgraded version of the One UI dubbed One UI 2.1.
Head here for more about Samsung’s Android 10 release.
7 Reasons to Buy the Galaxy Tab S6 & 6 Reasons Not To
Buy If You Want Solid Software Support |
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If you plan on keeping your next tablet for awhile, it might be a good idea to buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6. While you might be tempted to go with the Galaxy Tab S4 or a cheaper model in the Galaxy Tab S series, note that these devices will see their software support end a lot quicker. Samsung typically keeps its flagships upgraded with major software updates for two years. The company tends to extend bug fixes and security patches for a bit longer than that, but software support will eventually stop and you’ll be on your own. The company also tends to keep some software features exclusive to newer devices due to the hardware limitations on the older models. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 comes with the company’s best version of Android 10 and One UI. We expect it to get a robust version of Samsung’s Android 11 update as well. If you want the absolute best software experience from a Samsung Galaxy tablet in early 2020 and the foreseeable future, you might want to pickup the Galaxy Tab S6. |
