In 2025, nearly a decade after Google introduced the feature to the Android operating system, Samsung finally started making support for seamless updates a standard across all Galaxy smartphones.
For the uninitiated, seamless updates allow for firmware updates to be installed in the background while a device is being used. Generally, software updates require restarting a device as system files that need to be updated can be in use when the operating system is running. That prevents the user from being able to use the device for anything, even emergency calls.
Smartphones supporting seamless updates tackle that problem by having two system partitions with the operating system installed. One partition is used to run the device, and when an update is available, it is installed to the other partition. Then, the device restarts and switches to the updated partition, eliminating the long wait times involved in installing updates using the traditional single partition system.
Seamless update installation needs battery to be charged to 30%
Samsung's adoption of seamless updates is a good thing, especially since the company managed to implement the feature without reducing the amount of storage that's available for the user. However, it brings one change that not everyone will like: Galaxy devices that support seamless updates need more battery charge to install updates.
Earlier, installing updates on Galaxy devices required a minimum of 20% battery charge. With seamless updates, that percentage has gone up to 30. That's likely because updates take longer to install when the device is in use and the process also involves verification of updated files. And while it may irritate some users, we think the compromise is worth it for the convenience offered by seamless updates.
Does your Galaxy smartphone support seamless updates? If it launched before 2025, the answer is no, except if you own the Galaxy A55. Most Galaxy phones launched in 2025 and beyond should support the feature, and the easiest way to check if yours has it is by observing how long it takes the phone to restart after an update is installed.
