Samsung has begun rolling out an unexpected second October software update for several flagship Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26 series and recent foldable models, following the initial security patch delivered earlier in the month, according to reports from Galaxy Club and DroidApp.
The secondary release follows a busy month of software deployments that also brought the upgrade to One UI 9. While the initial October patches focused on security, these newer firmware packages arrive with an approximate download size of 700 MB, pointing to broader system maintenance rather than a fresh security bulletin.
Second October Update Details for Galaxy S26 and Foldables
The unannounced second wave of software reaches specific high-end hardware lines. Samsung Magazine reports that the update targets the Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, and Galaxy S26 FE, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. In Zuid-Korea, the firmware versions carry build numbers ending in BZJB for the Galaxy S26 series (at roughly 580 MB) and AZJ8 for the Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, and Z Flip8 (at approximately 690 MB).
Despite the changelog’s brief wording, the timing coincides closely with broader software changes. Galaxy Club points out that while the Fold 8 and Flip 8 have run on One UI 9 since July, the new packages address system wrinkles, potentially ironing out installation snags tied to factory resets on Ultra variants as reported by Samsung Magazine, though Samsung has not officially confirmed specific bug fixes.
One UI 9 Expansion Across Middle-Range and Flagship Models
While flagship owners receive secondary autumn maintenance, the broader rollout of One UI 9 based on Android 17 continues across different tiers. Stable One UI 9 releases have reached mid-range devices such as the Galaxy M56, Galaxy A35, Galaxy F17, and Galaxy M17, starting in India. These mid-range packages range from roughly 2.2 GB for the M56 to 2.7 GB for the A35, bringing interface refinements and background process optimizations while excluding certain high-end graphics features due to hardware limitations.
Meanwhile, Bright outlined an extensive regional rollout list originating from a Japanese Samsung channel, indicating that upcoming months will bring One UI 9 to numerous devices spanning the S, Z, A, and Tab series. That same documentation suggests older hardware, such as the Galaxy S22 lineup, will remain on Android 16, receiving only quarterly security support in line with previous update commitments.
Check Settings to Install the New Firmware
Users can check for the new firmware by going to Settings, selecting Software update, and tapping Download and install, or by waiting for an automated system notification. Rollout timelines vary, with October packages also reaching the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy A55 in Europe and India, alongside the Galaxy A57 in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Common Questions About the October Software Releases
Why are certain devices receiving a second October update?
The secondary releases for the Galaxy S26 series and foldables address system stability and may fix an installation issue preventing completion after a factory reset on certain Ultra models.
Which devices are excluded from the One UI 9 upgrade?
Older hardware like the Samsung Galaxy S22 series does not appear on the upgrade lists, meaning those devices will remain on Android while continuing to receive periodic security updates.
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