Samsung’s December 2022 Android security patch has reached more Galaxy smartphones. The latest security update is rolling out for the Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy A51 5G. The company last week updated a handful of models to this month’s SMR (Security Maintenance Release).
The December SMR will be rolling out for both the 4G LTE and 5G versions of the Galaxy Z Flip. The rollout in Europe has started. Samsung’s original clamshell foldables pick up the update with firmware versions F700FXXSAIVK9 and F707BXXS7IVK7. The company should soon expand the release to other markets, including the US. However, apart from the latest vulnerability fixes, the devices get nothing. They recently received Android 13, so that’s to be expected.
The story is pretty similar for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 as well. This foldable model is also currently accommodating the December SMR in Europe. There is also no new feature in this package. Samsung is only rolling out this month’s vulnerability fixes to its second-generation Fold series device. This software version should soon be introduced in other markets. Watch out for an update with firmware version F916BXXS2IVK7 or something along those lines. Build number varies slightly in different regions.
Finally, the Galaxy A51 5G is the latest member of the Galaxy family to receive the December SMR. However, the update for this phone has a greater significance as it comes with Android 13. Samsung rolled out the new version of Android for the phone in the US last week with the November SMR. But the major Android update in Europe brings the latest security patch. The updated firmware version for this two year old premium mid-range smartphone is A516BXXU5EVL2.
Samsung patched 80 vulnerabilities with the December update for Galaxy devices
The December SMR is one of the biggest monthly security releases for Galaxy devices in recent memory. It patches 80 vulnerabilities revealed by Samsung last week. The vast majority of these are fixes provided by Google and other Android OS partners. The official security bulletin this month mentions five critical and as many high-level Android vulnerability fixes. Some of these bugs allowed code execution remotely.
Along with these Android fixes, Samsung also patched a handful of Galaxy-specific vulnerabilities this month. The company mentions fixes for 13 privacy and security vulnerabilities that have plagued its Galaxy ecosystem. All of these vulnerability patches will be available for the remaining eligible Galaxy models in the coming days. We will keep you informed.
