It's 2016 and many Samsung Galaxy smartphone and tablet owners are still waiting for their Android Marshmallow update.
Its been more than five months since Google started rolling out its brand new Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.
Some manufacturers were quick to release the new update and its changes. Others, like Samsung, have been extremely slow to release the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update.
In February, after weeks of rumors and several days of confusion, Samsung finally took a step in the right direction and pushed out its first Galaxy Marshmallow update. Since then, we've been under a barrage of upgrades.
Today we want to take a look at everything we know so far about Samsung's plans for current Galaxy smartphone and tablet owners. This also takes a look at some important details regarding the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, two devices that are starting to ship out to buyers in the United States.
This roundup is going to walk you through the important details about the Samsung Galaxy Marshmallow release and the updates themselves.
The company hasn't confirmed every single Marshmallow update it plans to offer but the roundup includes information about the Galaxy S6 update, the Galaxy Note 5 update, the Galaxy Note 4 update, the Samsung Galaxy S7, and more.
We'll continue to update this as we, and others, receive more information.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Marshmallow UpdateThe Samsung Galaxy S6 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update is rolling out for the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus in Korea. We've also seen a number of other Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge Marshmallow updates roll out around the world.
Marshmallow updates have also started rolling out in India, the United Kingdom, Austria, Russia, Iraq and the Netherlands. More recently, updates have landed for models in Afghanistan, Croatia, Germany, Czech Republic, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Nepal, Italy, Macedonia, Spain, and a whole lot more more.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update recently made it to North America with Sprint users reporting the start of an Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow roll out for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. Sprint's also now rolling out an update for the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus.
The Sprint bound Galaxy S6 Marshmallow updates are huge, over 1GB in size, and it delivers a long list of enhancements, features, and bug fixes.
Sprint's since been joined by Verizon and T-Mobile. Big Red recently rolled out its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow updates and it's now pushing out a Android 6.0.1 update for the Galaxy S6 Plus. It's now rolling out a bug fix update for the Galaxy S6 Plus as well.
Like Sprint's updates, the Verizon Galaxy S6 Marshmallow updates bring a wealth of new features, enhancements and fixes.
T-Mobile's also started rolling out its Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, and Galaxy S6 Edge Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow updates. These updates will roll out Over-the-Air to users for several days and bring enhancements and fixes to the former flagships.
U.S. Cellular's website now shows Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow updates for the Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. Each listing comes with a link to download via Samsung Kies.
As for AT&T, Samsung's confirmed an imminent Galaxy S6 Android 6.0.1 update for the regular model. The update should roll out soon followed by a release for the other Galaxy S6 models and the Galaxy Note 5.
Telus and Bell users in Canada are also reporting a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus Marshmallow roll out. The update is massive, 1.2GB in size, and it brings Android 6.0.1 and a number of enhancements to the larger Edge model.
Fellow Canadian carriers VideoTron and Eastlink are reportedly rolling out Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow updates as well.
Now that these updates are making their way to North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, we expect more Galaxy S6 Marshmallow updates to follow.
Telus in Canada was one of the first North American carriers to confirm specific dates for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge and it's finally rolling out the Galaxy S6 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update to users.
In Australia, Vodafone is prepping a Galaxy S6 Edge Plus Marshmallow update for roll out. It's also testing Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge Marshmallow updates. These updates have all hit snags in the testing process and release dates are currently unknown.
Fellow Australian carrier Telstra is prepping Galaxy S6 Plus, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge Marshmallow updates.
Telstra says that it plans to roll the Galaxy S6 Plus Marshmallow update in late May followed by upgrades for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge in early June.
Australian carrier Optus didn't outline any specific dates but it looks like the carrier is rolling out Android 6.0.1 to the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus with updates for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge expected soon.
Elsewhere in North America, Canadian carrier Rogers says that it's planning to deploy a Galaxy S6 Edge Plus Android 6.0 update by the end of May with Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge Android 6.0 updates following in the summer.
Marshmallow FeaturesThanks to the roll outs and the Galaxy S6 Marshmallow beta, we know what the Marshmallow update will bring to the flagship devices.
As expected, Marshmallow brings changes to the update's interface. The update replaces blue with white and it changes the look of several app icons.
The update also features the popular Google Now on Tap feature that allows you to quickly bring up information on whatever you're looking at simply by holding down the home button. It's one of our favorite Marshmallow features. The video above outlines the key features.
Samsung will be rolling out Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, the most up-to-date version of Marshmallow from Google.
The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update brings a number of key changes to the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge including:
Samsung has detailed the changes coming to the Galaxy S6 Edge's panel, some of which can be seen in galleries above.
Galaxy S5 Marshmallow UpdateSamsung is finally starting to roll out the Galaxy S5 Android 6.o.1 Marshmallow update and surprise surprise, it's rolling out to users in Korea.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update is reportedly pushing out to users in Korea today. More specifically, it's rolling out to unlocked variants on KT, LG Uplus and SK Telecom in South Korea.
It's also rolling out in Trinidad & Tobago, in Sri Lanka for the SM-G900F, in Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy for the SM-G900F, in India for the SM-G900I, in Canada for Telus, and in the United States for Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S5 Sport users on Sprint. Here is the change log that Sprint's provided:
The Samsung Galaxy S5 update is also rolling out to the Galaxy S5 Plus model in Germany. The Android 6.0.1 update is for the unbranded model (SM-G901F).
Now that it's rolling out in Europe, we expect it (and other variants) to get Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow soon.
T-Mobile's confirmed a Galaxy S5 Marshmallow release and it just moved into the "T-Mobile Testing" phase, a sign that its release is getting very close.
The fact that T-Mobile is planning a Galaxy S5 Marshmallow update is a good sign for other Galaxy S5 users in the United States.
In Canada, Rogers says that it's planning to deliver a Galaxy S5 Android 6.0.1 update on May 25th. It's also planning a Galaxy S5 Active Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the near future and a Galaxy S5 Neo Marshmallow update for the summer.
Those of you with a Samsung Galaxy S5 mini will be happy to know that Samsung's planning to deliver a Marshmallow update to the smaller version of the Galaxy S5.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Android Marshmallow update just appeared at the Wi-Fi Alliance, a sign that its release is getting closer.
It could be a few weeks before we see it but it looks like an upgrade is on the way.
FeaturesAs for the Galaxy S5 Marshmallow update itself, it reportedly comes with most of Marshmallow's features with bug fixes, improvements to the device's speed, and improvements to stability.
The video above gives you a good look at what to expect from your Galaxy S5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update.
Those of you with a carrier-branded model can expect some unique "enhancements" and fixes so you'll want to dig into the change log when your update arrives.
Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow UpdateThe first Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 update is reportedly rolling out to the SM-N920C in Cambodia. It's also reportedly rolling out to carriers in South Korea, a logical step for Samsung and its flagship device.
Samsung is reportedly rolling out a second Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 update in Korea to correct some of the problems it found on the initial release.
It's also rolling out in a number of other countries including India with the Middle East an apparent focus for Samsung right now. It's also rolling out in Algeria, Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia (Optus) to name a few.
U.S. and Canadian carriers are also in the mix.
The Verizon Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update is available and it brings new features and enhancements to its version of the flagship smartphone. The carrier is also rolling out a smaller bug fixer that alleviates three problems with Marshmallow:
Sprint is also rolling out the Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update to users taking the flagship phone up from Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
As expected, the change log is similar to the other Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow updates that've rolled out elsewhere in the U.S. and around the world. Like the others, it comes with a number of enhancements, features and fixes.
Sprint's updates typically take one to two weeks to complete so Galaxy Note 5 users will want to keep an eye out this week and next for Android 6.0.1.
Elsewhere in North America, U.S. Cellular's confirmed a Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow roll out via its website. Like its Galaxy S6 updates, the listing contains a link to download via Samsung's Kies app for PC.
T-Mobile is also rolling out Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow to the Galaxy Note 5. The T-Mobile Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update will roll out to Galaxy Note 5 owners from April 18th to May 20th so keep an eye out.
As for Canada, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update has reportedly landed for users on Bell and Telus. We expect others to follow with updates of their own in the near future.
Here are a few other things we know right now about the Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow release in North America.
Thanks to the beta and the public roll out, we know what to expect from the Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update and its features. The video below shows off the early software and it runs down many of the important changes.
For more on the Marshmallow leak, take a look at this full rundown from XDA-Developers. It reviews the update's early performance. For a more recent set of photos, take a look at these Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow photos. Verizon's run down of the Marshmallow update will also give you a feel for the changes.
In addition to the new features and enhancements, it also looks like the Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 update is plagued with issues including battery drain, issues with Gear VR and other smaller bugs. These issues have extended to the Verizon Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.o.1 update.
Verizon users are already starting to complain about battery drain, Wi-Fi problems and more. We expect complaints to pick up as the roll out picks up speed.
It's not clear how these problems will impact the overall speed of the roll out (it doesn't appear to have slowed it down yet) but Galaxy Note 5 users will want to be cautious when Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow arrives.
Galaxy Note 4 Marshmallow UpdateThe Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and the Galaxy Note Edge will both receive Marshmallow updates in the United States and the first batch of updates are pushing out right now.
Sprint is reportedly pushing out its version of the Galaxy Note 4 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update right now. The U.S. Cellular Galaxy Note 4 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update appears to be rolling out as well.
U.S. Cellular's website confirms an imminent release and another source seems to verify that claim. We expect the carrier's version of Android 6.0.1 to mirror the release on Sprint.
As for the rest of the world, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update is rolling out in Europe for the SM-N910C in Poland, users in Croatia, Germany, Korea, Austria, Italy, and its reportedly available for Galaxy Note 4 users in Uzbekistan (SM-N910H).
Galaxy Note 4 users in India should also be on the lookout for the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update. The update is rolling out right now and it checks in at a whopping 1.4GB. Prepare accordingly.
As for the Galaxy Note Edge Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update, it's reportedly pushing out in England at the moment. That said, it's moving like a slug compared to Samsung's Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow roll out for the Galaxy Note 4.
T-Mobile's confirmed both updates though neither has budged since last year. They, like the carrier's other Galaxy Marshmallow updates, remain in "Manufacturer Development" purgatory. This likely means that they're still a few weeks away. As for the rest of the world…
In Canada, Rogers says that it's planning a Galaxy Note 4 Marshmallow update for May 25th. It's also scheduled to roll out a Galaxy Note Edge Android Marshmallow update on May 25th.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Android 6.0.1 update recently popped up in a certification at the Wi-Fi Alliance and manuals for the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge Marshmallow updates have been spotted. These manuals will give you a look at the update's changes.
Canadian carrier Telus is one of the only carriers committed to a date. The carrier says that it will be pushing its Galaxy Note 4 Marshmallow update on May 23rd, a few weeks after it delivers for Galaxy S5 users.
Look for these updates to pick up steam in April and May.
FeaturesThanks to these roll outs, we know what the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update looks like.
The Galaxy Note 4 update comes with the new Air Command menu that's found on the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5. There are also some new icons for applications. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy S6's update.
It also reportedly comes with the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 feature that allows you to take notes when the screen is off.
OthersIn addition to these popular devices, Samsung will reportedly roll out Marshmallow to the Galaxy A7, Galaxy A8, Galaxy J3, Galaxy Alpha, and Galaxy Tab S2. The Galaxy Tab S2 Android 6.0.1 update has just started to roll out.
The first update is rolling out right now in Germany for the 9-inch model. It brings well-known Marshmallow features and it also brings a multi-user mode. This mode allows you to create separate accounts for family members and friends.
The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update is also now rolling out for the 8-inch Galaxy Tab S2 in the United Kingdom. The update is reportedly similar to the upgrade for the larger version.
As for the rest of the world, T-Mobile's confirmed a Galaxy Tab S2 Marshmallow update and Telus says that it will deploy its version of the Galaxy Tab S2 Marshmallow update on May 16th.
A leaked roadmap asserts that the Galaxy Alpha will get Marshmallow in June. A release date for the Samsung Galaxy A7 isn't known. And it looks like Samsung could deploy a Galaxy J3 Marshmallow update in the near future. It's already showing up on handsets in Korea.
Rogers in Canada says that it plans to roll out a Galaxy A5 Marshmallow update "soon." A specific date isn't known.
There's more.
Samsung appears to have confirmed a Galaxy Tab A Marshmallow update though it hasn't provided users with any specific release date details.
On top of that, the Samsung Galaxy J5 is also expected to get Marshmallow in Europe. Galaxy Club's discovered a manual for Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow which all but confirms its arrival somewhere down the line.
We've also seen the Samsung Galaxy A5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update appear in a Wi-Fi Certification, a sign that its release is getting closer.
The Samsung Galaxy A8 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update has also appeared for the first time at the Wi-Fi Alliance which means that Samsung is making progress behind the scenes. No word on where it will head first.
Samsung's clearly focused on getting Android 6.0.1 out to flagship smartphone users but we should see the update expand to the little guys in the near future.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Marshmallow UpdateAs expected, the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge both run the company's Android 6.0.1 software.
The two devices, revealed earlier this month at Mobile World Congress, run a unique version of the operating system. You can get a feel for the software in the Galaxy S7 hands-on video below.
It's worth noting that the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge do not support Android 6.0's Adoptable Storage feature, a concern given the fact that it only comes with 32GB of internal storage space in the United States.
It's also worth noting that the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge come with some additional emoji characters. A full outline of those characters can be found right here.
In early March Samsung rolled out an "urgent" software update for the Galaxy S7 Edge. T-Mobile also pushed out bug fix updates to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge.
More recently, Samsung rolled out Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge updates with touch screen improvements.
We've also seen carriers push out bug fix updates of their own. The latest upgrades are from Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile USA.
T-Mobile's update brings a power and volume key fix as well as various system improvements. That update will be rolling out OTA from May 2nd to May 5th.
Sprint's new Galaxy S7 Marshmallow update reportedly brings battery life enhancements and security patches.
Verizon is rolling out updates for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. Both updates "optimize device performance, resolve known issues and apply the latest security patches."
It's also important to know that the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow updates are now available online.
These will be useful if you need to go back to stock software at any point during your time with the Galaxy S7.
May Security UpdateGoogle is rolling out April security updates to its Nexus devices and Samsung is following suit with some May security updates of its own.
The company only recently started to push out March and April security updates to its "major flagship models" but the company is already moving onto the May security update.
Samsung's May security update comes with a couple of additions and you can read the specific patch notes on the company's website.
It's already moving out in a couple of regions including the United States (AT&T just pushed it out for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge) and it should hit more areas and more devices throughout the month of May.
Swiftkey Android 6.0.1 UpdateIt's worth mentioning that Swiftkey has been updated to support the new emojis that arrived in Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
Once Android 6.0.1 arrives for your device, you'll be able to use emojis with the popular third-party keyboard.
Galaxy Android N UpdateMarshmallow isn't here yet but we're already hearing about the successor to the Android Marshmallow update.
Google's released a Android N Developer Preview that confirms many of the features coming on board the Android N update. Samsung hasn't confirmed anything yet but we're confident that many of the devices listed here will get it.
XDA-Developers recently discovered Android N hints at Samsung's Developer site and it looks like the update could deliver improved stylus support. The site mentions the Edge and it also mentions the company's S Pen.
A more recent discovery on Samsung's Developer site hints at the name Android 7.0. This isn't confirmed yet but it's very possible that this will be the version Google goes with later this year after the Android N beta.
With an Android N release expected sometime this summer, look for Galaxy devices to move off Marshmallow in late 2016 or early 2017.
10 Things to Do Before Installing Samsung Galaxy Marshmallow
Get Familiar with Android 6.0.1 & Marshmallow
Let's start with something very important.
One of the first things you'll want to do is get familiar with the changes coming with your version of Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Each update is going to be a little bit different (carriers can't help themselves) but there some core elements to each.
There are a number of resources around the web but we'll provide you with some great starting points right here.
We've taken a deep dive into the differences between Lollipop and Marshmallow and you'll want to check the basics out so that you're comfortable with the changes.
Android 6.0.1, the version of Marshmallow rolling out to Galaxy devices, is a little different than Android 6.0. You can get familiar with some of Android 6.0.1's basics right here.
And then we get to the device level. That is to say that the Galaxy S6 Marshmallow update is a little different than the Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update. We've outlined some of those differences and you can find them at the links provided.
Things will be different at the carrier level as well and you'll want to look into those changes as well. Unfortunately, those changes will arrive whenever Samsung and your carrier decide to push out Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow for your device. We'll provide you with the Verizon Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow release notes as an example.
If you haven't been following along, now is a great time to look into the new features and enhancements so that you're as proficient as possible after you download and install Marshmallow on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
Source: Samsung Galaxy Marshmallow Update Info (2016)
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