Samsung Galaxy Marshmallow Update Info (2016)

It's 2016 and many Samsung Galaxy smartphone and tablet owners are still waiting for their Android Marshmallow update.

Its been more than four months, four months, since Google started rolling out its 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 we finally have some movement for multiple devices.

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 Update

Samsung has finally confirmed its first trio of Marshmallow updates. Unsurprisingly, they're headed to the Galaxy S6.

The 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 the United Kingdom, Austria, Russia, Iraq and the Netherlands. More recently, updates have landed for models in Croatia, Germany, Czech Republic, 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.

The U.S. bound Galaxy S6 Marshmallow update is huge, over 1GB in size, and it delivers a long list of enhancements, features, and bug fixes.

Now that they're making their way to United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, we expect more Galaxy S6 Marshmallow updates to follow.

Telus in Canada is one of the first North American carriers to confirm specific dates for the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus Marshmallow roll out.

The carrier notes that the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus Marshmallow will roll out first on March 16th (today) followed by the Galaxy S6 Edge Marshmallow update on March 30th followed by the Galaxy S6 Marshmallow update on April 13th. These are approximate dates and are subject to change.

Fellow Canadian carrier Bell also confirmed the Galaxy S6 Marshmallow update for March but it hasn't nailed down a date just yet.

T-Mobile has confirmed a trio of Galaxy S6 Marshmallow updates and we expect rival carriers in the United States to follow suit with roll outs of their own.

T-Mobile's planning Android Marshmallow updates for the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and the Galaxy S6 Edge+. None of these updates have moved past the "Manufacturer Development" stage which means that they're still in the lab at Samsung.

Samsung is reportedly planning Galaxy S6 updates for AT&T (we saw a date pop up for the Galaxy S6 though it came and went without an official release) and Verizon but details about those updates are still missing in action.

Vocal carriers like Rogers (Canada), Vodafone (Australia), Optus (Australia), and Telstra (Australia) continue to remain silent about their plans for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Marshmallow.

Marshmallow Features

Thanks 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:

Additional quick settings toggles for Private Mode in the status bar.

New emoji characters (Android 6.0.1 brought more than 200 to Nexus users).

Improved visibility of notification panel icons.

If a fingerprint isn't recognized, users will only get vibration feedback.

A new 'Install overnight' option that will install an update at night between 2 to 5 AM.

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 Update

Samsung hasn't rolled out a Galaxy S5 Marshmallow beta yet but the Galaxy S5 Marshmallow update is confirmed.

T-Mobile's confirmed a Galaxy S5 Marshmallow release though like the Galaxy S6 Marshmallow update, it's in the "Manufacturer Development" phase. Meaning, it still needs to go through T-Mobile testing before it can be released to the public.

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 and around the world. Most carriers are silent about their plans but there's a good chance this roll out will reach everyone.

A report from October backs up this assertion and suggests that development has begun on Galaxy S5, Galaxy S5 Neo and Galaxy S5 LTE-A Marshmallow updates around the world including here in the United States.

A leaked document suggests that the Galaxy S5 Android Marshmallow release date will take place in March or April of this year. A more recent leak suggests that the Galaxy S5 Android 6.0.1 update will roll out in May.

Dates are all over the board so Galaxy S5 users will need to remain vigilant as we push deeper into the new year.

Features

As for the Galaxy S5 Marshmallow update itself, it has reportedly leaked out a couple of times though we haven't seen an extensive rundown of the software.

Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow Update

The 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 with the Middle East an apparent focus for Samsung right now.

The Verizon Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update is also starting to roll out today bringing new features and enhancements to owners of the flagship smartphone.

Here are a few things we know right now about the Galaxy Note 5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow release in North America.

T-Mobile has confirmed the Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update.

The AT&T Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update underwent a beta and it will reportedly start rolling out soon.

A SamMobile report from October suggests that work has already begun on updates for Note 5 models around the world.

Telus has confirmed a Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update for March 16th (today).

Fellow Canadian carrier Bell has also confirmed plans to roll out a Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update in March.

What we don't know is when the Galaxy Note 5 Marshmallow update will arrive for non-Verizon users in the United States.

Features

Thanks to the beta and the public roll out, we now have some idea about 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 Update

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and the Galaxy Note Edge will both receive Marshmallow updates in the United States.

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 weeks away at least.

A leaked document points to a Galaxy Note 4 Marshmallow release in March or April but this isn't confirmed and could change. A Galaxy Note Edge Marshmallow release date is rumored for March or April as well.

A more recent report suggests that the two updates will roll out sometime in April. Both have reportedly been approved and we now have the evidence to prove it, for the Galaxy Note 4 at least.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Android 6.0.1 update has popped up in a certification at the Wi-Fi Alliance. This doesn't mean that a roll out for the Galaxy Note 4 will happen today or tomorrow. What it means is that Samsung and its aging former flagship are making progress.

Look for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 to be one of the next in line for Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and its changes.

Features

Thanks to a couple of leaks, we know what the Galaxy Note 4 Marshmallow update will probably look like when it arrives.

In addition to that leak, Napidroid claims to have  received a Galaxy Note 4 Marshmallow build on one of their devices.

The early version of the update comes with the new Air Command menu that's found on the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5. and there are also some new icons for applications. Similar to the Galaxy S6 update.

It also reportedly comes with the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 feature that allows you to take notes when the screen is off. Remember, this is early software and things could change during testing.

Others

In addition to these popular devices, Samsung will reportedly roll out Marshmallow to the Galaxy A7, Galaxy A8, Galaxy Alpha, and Galaxy Tab S2. T-Mobile's confirmed a Galaxy Tab S2 Marshmallow update.

A leaked roadmap asserts that the Galaxy Alpha will get Marshmallow in June while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8″ and Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7″ will get their Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow updates in May. A release date for the Galaxy A7 isn't known.

Samsung appears to have confirmed a Galaxy Tab A Marshmallow update though it hasn't provided users with any specific release date details.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Marshmallow Update

As 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.

Samsung is already rolling out an "urgent" software update for the Galaxy S7 Edge and we expect more to follow in the future as the company, and its carrier partners, wipe out some of the initial problems with the software.

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.

Samsung Android Security Updates

In early February, Google began rolling out a security update to Nexus devices. Samsung is now rolling out the same update to Galaxy devices.

The update is rolling out to unlocked devices all over the world and it brings some vital patches for potential security exploits.

The February security update just landed for the AT&T Galaxy Note 5.

You can check for the patch in settings or you can simply wait for it to appear in your notifications. Some of you might get the February security update with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

For more on the contents of the February security update, take a look at Samsung's rundown of the changes.

March Security Update

Google is rolling out a March security update to its Nexus devices. Samsung hasn't started pushing it out to Galaxy devices just yet but we imagine that will happen sometime later this month.

For more on the March security update's contents, take a look at our full run down.

Swiftkey Android 6.0.1 Update

It'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 Update

Marshmallow 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.

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)