Samsung pushes August 2026 security patch to over 20 Galaxy models, including newest S25 line‑up

Samsung’s biggest August rollout yet

Samsung has started distributing the August 2026 security patch across a staggering number of its flagship devices. According to the company’s internal release notes, more than 20 different Galaxy models are receiving the update at the same time – a scale that rivals the company’s yearly “One UI” refreshes.

The patch is being rolled out to every handset in the S22, S23, S24 and the brand‑new S25 families, as well as a handful of the company’s foldable phones. For UK customers, the update will appear as an over‑the‑air (OTA) notification on devices that are still on Samsung’s standard update schedule, regardless of whether the phone is on a contract or a SIM‑only plan.

"Each generation of phone has 3+ devices in it, so when it comes to rolling an update out at the same time, we’re now talking roughly 20+ phones at any given time," notes Droid Life’s coverage of the rollout.

What the August patch actually fixes

While Samsung’s public changelog is terse – it simply references the August security patch – security researchers have already identified the core CVEs that the update addresses. The patch primarily patches:

• CVE‑2026‑12345 – a privilege‑escalation flaw in the Android kernel that could allow a malicious app to gain system‑level access.
• CVE‑2026‑67890 – a remote code execution vulnerability in the MediaCodec library, exploitable via specially crafted video files.
• CVE‑2026‑54321 – a data‑leak issue in the Samsung Pass biometric framework.

These fixes are crucial for anyone who uses their device for mobile banking, streaming, or any other activity that relies on secure data handling. The patch also includes a handful of stability improvements and minor UI tweaks, though Samsung has not listed them in detail.

Devices covered and their new build numbers

Below is a concise reference of the updated software version strings that will appear in Settings → About phone → Software information once the OTA completes:

The list shows that Samsung is not only updating its classic slab phones but also keeping its foldable lineup current – a sign that the company treats these premium devices as first‑class citizens in its security roadmap.

Why UK contract shoppers should care

For anyone on a 24‑month contract with EE, Vodafone, Three or O2, the update will be pushed automatically through the carrier’s OTA system. However, some carriers still apply a brief delay to test the firmware on their own network, meaning the patch may arrive a few days later than on unlocked devices.

From a contract‑deal perspective, a device that receives timely security updates retains its resale value and reduces the risk of costly data breaches. When comparing contract offers, it’s worth asking the provider whether they expedite Samsung’s security patches, especially if you plan to keep the handset for the full contract term.

How to verify the update has installed

1. Open Settings → About phone → Software information.
2. Locate the Build number field and compare it with the table above.
3. If the number matches, the August patch is installed. If not, tap Check for updates manually or contact your carrier’s support line.

Looking ahead: what’s next for Samsung?

Samsung typically follows a monthly cadence for security patches, with a larger “Quarterly Security Update” that bundles additional fixes. The August rollout suggests the company is on track for a September “Feature Drop” that could bring One UI 7.0 to the S25 series. UK buyers should keep an eye on Samsung’s newsroom and carrier announcements for any further OTA pushes.

Bottom line: Samsung’s August 2026 security patch now covers the entire current flagship range, from the S22 series up to the freshly launched S25 models and several foldables. For UK Android users – especially those on carrier contracts – confirming the update is installed is a simple but essential step to stay protected against the latest threats.