The folks at 9to5Google scoured the system files of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but couldn’t find any traces of virtual A/B partitions. While Google was expected to make Seamless Updates compulsory a couple of years ago, those plans didn’t materialize. Currently, including virtual A/B partitions is still optional. But some of Google’s documentation suggests otherwise, as noted by Mishaal Rahman. For the uninitiated, “Seamless Updates” utilizes A/B partitions for system updates, allowing the update to install even when you’re using the phone. The changes take full effect when the device is rebooted. This is a method implemented by Google to ensure a smooth and hassle-free update process. Seamless Updates was first introduced by Google towards the end of 2016 with the introduction of Android 7.1. However, the company has failed to make this mandatory for devices, for whatever reason. This means that the Galaxy S22 and other Samsung flagships will continue to be inaccessible for a few (or several) minutes during each major software update.
Samsung offers four major OS upgrades for its flagships
One of Samsung’s recent accomplishments is promising up to four generations of Android updates with the Galaxy S22. Meanwhile, Google only promises three years of OS upgrades for Pixel 6 owners. This means that Galaxy S22 owners can expect OS upgrades until at least 2025. The news of the Galaxy S22 missing Google’s Seamless Updates feature likely won’t impact a majority of the owners due to the factors mentioned above. However, there’s no reason why Samsung can’t implement this nifty feature with its upcoming flagships. Speaking of Samsung flagships, some customers who pre-ordered the Galaxy S22 Ultra are reportedly receiving it early. However, the wider rollout of the flagship won’t commence until February 25. Meanwhile, the vanilla Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy S22+ won’t arrive until March 11, as per the company. But it’s likely that customers of these variants will also get their devices ahead of time.
