Samsung Galaxy Tablets Receive May 2023 Update

The security patch for May 2023 has been made available for the Galaxy tablets in Europe, after being exclusively available for Galaxy phones. The Galaxy Tab S8 base, Plus, and Ultra models should all receive the update, but currently only the Ultra model (SM-X906B) has been confirmed to receive the update with firmware version Xx06BXXU4BWD8.

Based on the firmware version, it seems that this release is not only limited to the May 2023 security patch but also includes additional updates. The update is quite large and weighs 1.6GB. However, the official changelog states only the usual generic improvements related to stability and performance, without any specific details mentioned. The May 2023 security patch addresses 72 security issues, including critical ones related to Exynos modems and the bootloader.

Users of Galaxy Tab S8 in Europe and potentially other markets will soon receive a notification for an update. They should tap on it and proceed with the updating process. Alternatively, they can go to the tablet’s Settings app, select “Software update,” and click on “Download and install.” 

Galaxy Tab Active Gets April Security Patch

The Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is now receiving the April 2023 security patch in Korea, Europe, and Caucasus Countries. The firmware version T636BXXS2BWD2 indicates that this update includes only the security patch and no additional features. It’s worth noting that although some Samsung tablets are on their way to getting the May 2023 patch, likes of Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro are still catching up to the April update.

The Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro has already received the One UI 5.1 update in March. This means that it is currently running Samsung’s latest One UI version, which comes with improvements to multitasking, new widgets, better Modes and Routines, improved DeX multi-window, and other features.

It is likely that the Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is mostly used by business customers instead of regular consumers. The April update is important for security, especially for enterprises. If the update is available in their country, users can download it by tapping the notification or accessing “Software update” under “Settings” and selecting “Download and install.”

Discontinued software support for some Galaxy tablets

In another report, Samsung is ending software support for some tablets. Samsung promised to provide up to 5 years of software support for Android smartphones and tablets of all price ranges, making it the longest support in the industry. However, older models were only supported for up to 4 years. Some of these devices have now reached the end of their official software support.

Samsung is ending software support for the Galaxy Tab S5e, Galaxy Tab A 10.1, and Galaxy Tab A with S Pen, which were all released in or before April 2019.

Although their software support has been suspended, these products can still function. They run on Android 11, which is capable of supporting most apps on the Google Play Store. However, the devices may encounter performance and battery-related problems. While replacing the battery can solve the latter issue, the former cannot be fixed.