Google Confirms Unstoppable Pixel Update—Tick-Tock For Samsung
Pixel comes first. That has just been made clear once again, with Google confirming the release of Android 16 'rolling out first to supported Pixel devices with more phone brands to come later this year.' The clock is now ticking for Samsung.
This is the latest foray in Google's mission to narrow the security gap with iPhone, and critically Android 16 brings Advanced Protection Mode, which makes an Android phone more like an iPhone, restricting sideloading along with other safeguards.
With this Android 16 release to all supported Pixels, Google says, you can now activate its 'strongest mobile device protection.' This enables 'security features that protect you from online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more. Whether you're a public figure or you just prioritize security, Advanced Protection gives you greater peace of mind that you're protected against the most sophisticated attacks.'
Google says 'this is the earliest Android has launched a major release in the last few years, which ensures you get the latest updates as soon as possible on your devices.' Good news for Pixel owners. Less good news for Samsung owners rocking a new Galaxy flagship. There is a relatively short window before those users will expect an upgrade.
According to SammyFans, while there's 'confirmation it will arrive earlier than usual, marking a significant change in how Samsung releases software updates,' there's no firm date. 'The company is targeting an ambitious summer 2025 stable release timeline, potentially arriving as early as July, months ahead of its traditional fall update.'
Advanced Protection Mode is less a change for Samsung users than Pixel users, given Samsung has already taken steps to restrict risky activity on its devices. But I recommend users enable the setting anyway. It's a single click to be much safer, and it stops inadvertent activity that might see your data (or worse) compromised.
Per Engadget, with this Android 16 release Google has also 'tied all of its security features together, so users can now be protected from 'online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more in just a tap'. This includes new scam detection features that were previewed back in May.' All critical given the raft of ongoing attacks.
After the nightmare One UI 7 delays — both for beta and stable releases, the expedited One UI 8 (Android 16) beta has landed more favorably, but the stable rollout schedule is all that really matters. Users of Galaxy S22 series and above, covering the last three years, will be especially keen to see upgrades beyond the S25 and S24, and this year's new foldables, which should run One UI 8 out of the box from next month.
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