Samsung phones and tablets get major OS upgrades that bring new features and bug fixes, and regular monthly patches to make devices more secure. However, it is Google’s Play system updates that haven’t reached Galaxy devices in a long time. Well, that is changing now. Out of nowhere, select Galaxy phones are now getting Google Play system updates, dated January 1st, 2026.
Galaxy phones are getting January 1st, 2026, Google Play system updates
Google hadn’t offered a Google Play System update to Galaxy devices for a long time. Some devices are reportedly still running on July 1st, 2025, Google Play System version. The long wait seems to be finally ending, as select Galaxy phones and tablets are getting a January 1, 2026, Google Play system update. SamMobile reports receiving it on their Galaxy S23. It reportedly weighs 90MB in size.
Folks at 9to5Google also report seeing the prompt on their devices, like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Considering it has been a long time since Galaxy devices got a Google Play system update, this is a significant development. However, it isn’t clear which devices are getting the update at the moment, but it appears to be widely available.Â
The update is reportedly 90MB in size
Users report seeing the Google Play system update on Galaxy A devices. So, it’s not just the flagships that are seeing the update. The download is available under security updates in the Galaxy settings. The patch appears to be rolling out on devices with the stable version of One UI 8.
According to Google, the January 2026 Google Play System update offers upgrades to Android WebView, Google Play Services, Account Management, Security & Privacy, Utilities, Wallet, Google Play Store, Android System Intelligence, Private Compute Services, and more.Â
The post Galaxy Phones Are Finally Being Treated to a New Google Play System Update appeared first on Android Headlines.
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