Samsung Galaxy S25 and S24 Users Hit with Bad News: Critical Android Security Update Missing, One UI 7 Delayed

Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series might be making waves with its AI-powered features, but early adopters are now facing an unexpected headache. The latest Android 15 / One UI 7 update was supposed to be a game-changer, but Samsung’s update strategy has left many users frustrated.

To make matters worse, Google has issued a critical security warning, highlighting a vulnerability that is already being actively exploited. While Pixel users have already received a fix, Samsung users—including those who just shelled out for the brand-new S25—are still waiting. And the bad news doesn’t stop there.

Galaxy S25 Users Stuck With an Outdated Security Patch

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S25 series launched with high expectations, thanks to its AI-powered upgrades and a seamless integration with Google’s Gemini AI. But for those who have already received their device, there’s an unpleasant surprise: the S25 is running on an outdated December security patch.

This is a concerning issue, especially considering Google’s latest Android security update for February includes a zero-day exploit (CVE-2024-53104) that is actively being used in attacks. This vulnerability stems from a flaw in Android’s Linux kernel, allowing hackers to exploit video frame handling and create memory instability—a serious security risk for users who haven’t received a patch.

What’s Missing from Samsung’s February Security Update?

Google has warned that the CVE-2024-53104 vulnerability is already under targeted exploitation, meaning bad actors are actively using it to attack devices. Yet, Samsung has not included the patch in its February security update—leaving millions of users exposed.

Samsung has a history of delaying emergency security patches, sometimes rolling them out within the same month but often pushing them to the next update cycle. Unfortunately, this time, the fix is completely absent. When questioned about the missing patch, Samsung has yet to provide an official explanation.

There’s also another critical fix—CVE-2024-45569, a Qualcomm vulnerability—that Samsung users will have to wait for. This affects devices with Qualcomm chipsets, and Samsung typically delivers such third-party component patches a month later than Google. While there’s no indication this one has been actively exploited yet, last year’s Qualcomm vulnerabilities became a massive security concern.

S24 Owners Still Waiting for One UI 7 & Android 15

If you’re a Galaxy S24 user, the frustration doesn’t end with security delays. While the S25 ships with Android 15 / One UI 7 out of the box, those using last year’s flagship model are still waiting for a stable One UI 7 release.

Samsung initially promised that Android 15 and One UI 7 would roll out by the end of Q1 2024, but many users now believe the February security update will arrive before One UI 7, further delaying much-anticipated features.

According to SammyFans, when one of their senior writers reached out to Samsung Support U.S., they were met with a vague response. The support representative admitted that there’s no specific release date for the One UI 7 update and refused to speculate on a timeline, possibly to avoid stirring up false hope among users.

"Something seems off, raising the possibility of another slight delay in the distribution," reported SammyFans.

This lack of transparency has left many Galaxy S24 users frustrated, as they continue to wait for Android 15’s security and feature enhancements, which are already available on Google Pixel devices.

The Bigger Issue: Samsung’s Patchy Update Process

Samsung’s software update process has long been a sore point for its users. The Galaxy S25 series was supposed to introduce Pixel-like seamless updates, making the installation process smoother. However, this does nothing to speed up how quickly security patches and new Android versions arrive on Samsung devices.

With zero-day vulnerabilities being actively exploited, Samsung cannot afford to delay its updates. The company’s slow response time when it comes to critical security fixes is now under the spotlight, as users are left exposed to potential cyber threats.

What Should Samsung Users Do Now?

Until Samsung officially rolls out the missing security fixes, Galaxy S25 and S24 users should take extra precautions:

Regularly check for updates via Settings > Software Update.Avoid downloading untrusted apps that could exploit vulnerabilities.Be cautious of suspicious links and attachments, as hackers often use these to trigger memory instability exploits.

For those still waiting for One UI 7 and Android 15, the best course of action is to stay patient and keep an eye on Samsung’s official update channels.

With the Galaxy S25 already launching with an outdated security patch and the Galaxy S24 stuck in an upgrade limbo, it’s clear that Samsung’s update process still has major gaps to fill. If the company wants to remain competitive against Google’s Pixel lineup, it needs to prioritize faster, more consistent updates—especially when user security is at stake.