Samsung hasn't implemented the fast updates in the Galaxy S21. Indeed, Google has decided not to require manufacturers to integrate this feature with Android 11. However, rapid updates have been integrated into Android almost five years ago. Many brands have chosen to adopt it. But Samsung still refuses.
Have you ever heard of the “ quick update ” feature? Perhaps you know the Anglo-Saxon term, " Seamless Update "? This is a feature implemented by Google in Android since 2016. Its goal: to secure and accelerate the deployment of updates to the operating system of smartphones. It is therefore a very interesting innovation, for the user and for the manufacturer.
But this function is not used by all brands of smartphones relying on Android, on the contrary. One of the recalcitrant brands is even the world market leader, Samsung . The Korean firm still refuses to implement Seamless Update on its mobiles, whether the expensive Galaxy S and Galaxy Note or the more affordable Galaxy A. And of course, the Galaxy S21 , the latest born of its flagship, are not compatible.
GOOGLE NO LONGER WANTS TO FORCE RAPID UPDATES
And Google even seems to have resigned itself to the idea of imposing this function on manufacturers. Indeed, in April 2020, before the official launch of Android 11 , Google included in its general conditions of use a mention concerning Seamless Update. This requires manufacturers to make their phones running Android 11 compatible with fast updates.
However, Google has since withdrawn this mention. Pity. In the latest version of the general conditions of use for Android 11, available on the official Android website for developers, Google only advises brands to use the dual partition system necessary for the implementation of Seamless Update.
A FUNCTION THAT SECURES THE APPLICATION FROM UPDATES
Seamless Update is not just a manager for downloading and installing an update. This is a system that secures its installation through the use of two partitions in the storage of the phone. When an update is available, Android downloads it and installs it in the background on the partition that is not used by the current version, without user intervention.
Then, the system restarts on the partition where the update was integrated. If booting fails, Android reverts to the original partition. If it is successful, Android will stay on the new partition and use the other to install the next one. Seamless Update is used today by OnePlus, LG, Google, Motorola and many other brands.
Source: Android Police