Update Galaxy S8 to Android 9?

[apb]

Can a Samsung Galaxy s8 g950U yet to be obtained, which wants to be or could already be on the Verizon network be updated to Android 9 if it is currently using an older version of OS? And, can that be done by the "normal" process through the phone UI ( as opposed to finding the apk and somehow getting that to install)? (I believe v. 9 is the latest that is supported on that phone.)

Also, same question for s9, possibly for v 10 if it supports it?

Thanks.

--peter

 

[joeldf]

The S8 did get Android 9 (One UI 1.0). The S9 did end with Android 10.

You don't load an apk to update. Apk files are what's used to install individual apps. The OS is in a firmware package that is loaded differently.

But, if the phone is a factory unlocked model (meaning, not carrier branded), then it should get whatever update is available once it's turned on and on a network - Wi-Fi or cellular.

If it's AT&T branded, then that would only get updates while on the AT&T network with an active AT&T SIM. Even it it was unlocked after-the-fact. Something that gives users over-seas headaches - they get cheap used AT&T Samsungs that were unlocked but still stuck on old firmware wondering why it doesn't update.

I don't know if Verizon or T-Mobile do the same thing. Someone else will have to chime in for that.

 

[apb]

The S8 did get Android 9 (One UI 1.0). The S9 did end with Android 10.

You don't load an apk to update. Apk files are what's used to install individual apps. The OS is in a firmware package that is loaded differently.

But, if the phone is a factory unlocked model (meaning, not carrier branded), then it should get whatever update is available once it's turned on and on a network - Wi-Fi or cellular.

If it's AT&T branded, then that would only get updates while on the AT&T network with an active AT&T SIM. Even it it was unlocked after-the-fact. Something that gives users over-seas headaches - they get cheap used AT&T Samsungs that were unlocked but still stuck on old firmware wondering why it doesn't update.

I don't know if Verizon or T-Mobile do the same thing. Someone else will have to chime in for that.

Thanks! However, is it clear that for the [unlocked] s8 for example that an update to v 9 IS available?

 

[Laura Knotek]

950U is carrier branded. 950U1 is factory unlocked.

 

[mustang7757]

Can a Samsung Galaxy s8 g950U yet to be obtained, which wants to be or could already be on the Verizon network be updated to Android 9 if it is currently using an older version of OS? And, can that be done by the "normal" process through the phone UI ( as opposed to finding the apk and somehow getting that to install)? (I believe v. 9 is the latest that is supported on that phone.)

Also, same question for s9, possibly for v 10 if it supports it?

Thanks.

--peter

Welcome to AC!
Why not get something a little newer?

 

[apb]

Welcome to AC!
Why not get something a little newer?

If you have a question you want answered, please start your own thread.

 

[mustang7757]

If you have a question you want answered, please start your own thread.

Huh?

 

[apb]

Instead of answering my question, you asked me a question.

 

[mustang7757]

Instead of answering my question, you asked me a question.

Yeah why bother with these devices that don't get support any longer?

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

Yeah why bother with these devices that don't get support any longer?

Are you saying if someone pulled into your garage with a horse drawn cart, you wouldn't shoe their horses?

 

[mustang7757]

Are you saying if someone pulled into your garage with a horse drawn cart, you wouldn't shoe their horses?

 

[B. Diddy]

If you have a question you want answered, please start your own thread.

Not a good look to be snarky to a Super Moderator. It's also a legitimate question. Is there a reason why you want to stick with such an outdated phone? Is there something you want to do with it that can only be done on older phones? Is it a budget issue? Using very out-of-date phones with very out-of-date Android versions can be a significant security risk. Even if you could update it to Android 9, it would be a full 4 (and very soon 5) versions behind what's current.

 

[mustang7757]

Not a good look to be snarky to a Super Moderator. It's also a legitimate question. Is there a reason why you want to stick with such an outdated phone? Is there something you want to do with it that can only be done on older phones? Is it a budget issue? Using very out-of-date phones with very out-of-date Android versions can be a significant security risk. Even if you could update it to Android 9, it would be a full 4 (and very soon 5) versions behind what's current.

Sometimes conversation in the Forum can be misunderstood and taken the wrong way , I was curious and it is a legit question after our new member was answered by one of our Long time member joeldf.

As you know we keep these forums clear of aggressive behavior and promote great experience topics here.

 

[Laura Knotek]

If it's a financial issue you would be better off purchasing a current device that is low to midrange rather than one that is 6½ years old and no longer supported.