Earlier this week, Google formally released Android 17, and some of its features indicate that this update is designed specifically for foldables, while missing major additions for flat-screen flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S-series.

Android 17 is tailored for large screens, especially foldables with features like app bubbles. It allows users to turn any app into a floating bubble icon, and it has a dedicated dock at the bottom of the screen. You can switch between apps with one tap and resize or maximize them to full-screen for faster multitasking.

Samsung phones already come with features like smart pop-up windows, which you minimize into a bubble. But Google’s version looks more streamlined.

The next feature is the new foldable gaming mode, using a 50-50 layout. It turns the second half into a dynamic gamepad, which is great for gaming in foldable devices.

The software has new parental controls and new security improvements, which will also make their way to Galaxy devices once the update is released.

Samsung and Google’s partnership

Last year, Samsung made a huge change in its software release cycle. The company gave foldables first seat in launching a new Android version, and the Galaxy S-series brings a separate feature pack over the same platform.

For example, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 were the first to run One UI 8.0 out of the box, and the Galaxy S26 series was released with One UI 8.5. Both have Android 16 in the base.

Besides, Google has found two major global Android smartphone launch events to promote its ecosystem, and both come from Samsung, its biggest partner.

This year won’t be different; Samsung will bring a top Android executive to talk about the new foldable features, One UI 9.0, and the Gemini for foldable devices. However, it’s already clear that Android 17 is likely to miss any surprising elements for the Galaxy S-series, while prioritizing the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip devices.

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Your Samsung phone gets new One UI updates, Play system updates, and app updates. After installing the latest versions of the three, you might think everything is up to date. You might be wrong, as Google has three new updates for every Samsung phone that elevate the user experience behind the scenes.

Google is rolling out three updates, Android System SafetyCore, Android System WebView, and Google Play Services, to every Samsung phone. The availability of these updates may vary by region or carrier, but their arrival is certain.

System SafetyCore, System WebView, and Play Services are getting updated. You need to install them manually as they could stay outdated until your Samsung Galaxy smartphone receives a new One UI update.

Here are the latest versions:

1. Android System SafetyCore (version 1.0.925574157)
2. Android System WebView (version 149.0.7827.91)
3. Google Play Services (version 26.22.33)

Patch/release notes are not available for these apps for now. Google may specify changes in a different way or medium, but the rollout is underway. You should install the latest versions to ensure the optimal state on your device.

Avoiding crucial updates may end up risking your phone with vulnerabilities, bugs, performance issues, and security problems. That said, ensuring their timely update should be your routine task after every One UI release.

Google’s System SafetyCore and WebView functions back various functionalities on Android. Certain features rely on these core apps, which you may think never existed, given their indirect backing rather than visibility.

How to update

The method to update these apps is something different and tricky. To do so, open your phone’s Settings, then Apps, and search for the apps by their names.

The searched app will be listed there, and you need to expand the page. Now, tap “App details in store” to get redirected to their listing page on Google Play Store, where you need to tap Update key.

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