Software Updates (Unlocked Phones, S22 Ultra)

[lattemaker]

Hello.

I have a S22 Ultra that I received last week like many here. My question is I am not getting the March update, I still have what the phone shipped with which is February 2022 update. I have read that the March 2022 update is out but my phone isn't picking it up when I manually try to search for any updates. Do carrier locked phones get the updates first? My mind would think that unlocked phones would get the updates first since they don't have to jump through the hoops of all the carrier stuff.

This is the first phone that I have ever purchased that is factory unlocked. Usually I go through my carrier(Verizon). So I'm just curious, is it normal that I have no received the update yet because it takes longer for unlocked phones to get it or is it something else?

Thank you for your help!

 

[neopolotin75]

So carrier locked phones will get the update 1st here in the states then about a week or so unlocked phones will get it. It used to be the other way around. I think the update is rolling out in Germany now so it'll be sometime in March here in the states. I don't know if the Odin file is available yet for it but that's a sure way to get it fast.

 

[LuckiestLiz]

This is my first unlocked. I am still on the January update, and now I'm going to get paranoid...

I once had a Note that could not get software updates (after a LOT of back/forth with both Samsung and AT&T), they replaced it as a manufacture defect.

 

[kbboykin]

My unlocked S22 was shippped with the January 2022 security and I have not gotten any updates since I set up the phone on 2/25! Im in Metro DC area.

 

[mustang7757]

Hello.

I have a S22 Ultra that I received last week like many here. My question is I am not getting the March update, I still have what the phone shipped with which is February 2022 update. I have read that the March 2022 update is out but my phone isn't picking it up when I manually try to search for any updates. Do carrier locked phones get the updates first? My mind would think that unlocked phones would get the updates first since they don't have to jump through the hoops of all the carrier stuff.

This is the first phone that I have ever purchased that is factory unlocked. Usually I go through my carrier(Verizon). So I'm just curious, is it normal that I have no received the update yet because it takes longer for unlocked phones to get it or is it something else?

Thank you for your help!

International version usually get it before US and pretty much everyone on January out the box , so soon it should be available and most times unlocked are first then carrier versions except major OS updates the carrier then unlocked.

 

[Emig5m]

I kinda don't want the first update because it will probably be rushed and cause more issues than it fixes. The 2nd and 3rd update will probably be where the gravy is lol.

 

[lattemaker]

Ok thank you for the explanations, everyone.

 

[anon(40376)]

Wasn't the international version released early so it could include the fix for the screen lines on the Exynos processor models?

 

[Cherenkov]

That appears to be the case. Pixels haven't received their March update either (though they do have the Feb one). Usually Pixels are updated on the first Monday of the month so they might not get theirs until March 7. Samsung generally patches before Pixels. I have no explanation as to the delay this time around.

 

[Gary02468]

So carrier locked phones will get the update 1st here in the states then about a week or so unlocked phones will get it.

That used to be true but for the last couple of years it's been more variable. Sometimes the carrier models update first, sometimes the unlocked models do, and sometimes they're simultaneous.

 

[smooches680]

I'm on T-Mobile and my phone is still on January security patch.

 

[Cherenkov]

That used to be true but for the last couple of years it's been more variable. Sometimes the carrier models update first, sometimes the unlocked models do, and sometimes they're simultaneous.

This was one of my biggest concerns (I've got an unlocked version). I hope this is true. Thanks for posting either way.

 

[Gary02468]

I'm on T-Mobile and my phone is still on January security patch.

Yes, all US S22 Ultras, carrier or unlocked, are on the originally installed AVA6 firmware, which is at the Jan 1 security patch level. You can always look that up on sammobile.com.

 

[Cherenkov]

Google just posted what's in the March update. I don't know if Samsung and other developers already received the code or not.

 

[pags11]

Any word on when we will be getting our first software update?

 

[mustang7757]

No word for US but international are coming

 

[Mike Dee]

That used to be true but for the last couple of years it's been more variable. Sometimes the carrier models update first, sometimes the unlocked models do, and sometimes they're simultaneous.

On Verizon the unlocked have been getting security patches first but OS updates second unless something has changed.

 

[Mark Schacht]

My understanding (and experience owning numerous factory unlocked phones including the s22 ultra) is that FU phones need to work with the major carriers' software updates so Samsung updates FU phones last after ensuring it will work with all.

 

[Cherenkov]

Looks like the Pixels will be getting their update on March 7 (first Monday of the month so that's on schedule). Samsung usually releases their patches before the Pixels get them. So we'll see if that holds true.

Edit - it appears Canadian S22 patches will also roll out on the 7th - https://mobilesyrup.com/2022/03/02/samsung-galaxy-s22-series-march-7/

 

[Cherenkov]

Samsung support confirmed that unlocked phones will take longer to patch than carrier versions. Looks like I'm shipping mine back. Stopped buying Samsung 6 years ago because of their lack of patches and support. Thought they were finally getting better about it but it looks like they fooled me again.