First reported by SamMobile, the September SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for the Galaxy A71 comes with firmware version A715FZHU8CVI4 in the aforementioned two markets. This build number suggests that the phone is getting something more than just the vulnerability fixes for this month. Unfortunately, Samsung has yet to reflect this release on its official update tracker. So we can’t confirm the precise changelog. Don’t be hopeful of major new features, though. The Galaxy A71 isn’t due any such update at this time. It has already received One UI 4.1 and is not eligible for One UI 4.1.1. The next major update for the phone should be Android 13-based One UI 5.0. It will come sometime in the first half of 2023. Android 13 will be the last major Android version upgrade for the phone. Debuted with Android 10, the Galaxy A71 has already picked up Android 11 and Android 12 updates. This release may contain some system stability and performance optimizations for the Galaxy A71. Perhaps some bug fixes too. But more importantly, Samsung is seeding fixes for around 50 privacy and security vulnerabilities. These include flaws in Android OS as well as the Korean firm’s custom software. Most of the vulnerabilities patched with the September SMR are for high-severity issues. If you’re using the Galaxy A71, you should be receiving the September security update in the coming days. Your phone will notify you about the update once available. You can tap on the notification to download the new software package over the air (OTA). Alternatively, you can check for OTA updates from the Software update menu in the Settings app.
Samsung has already released the October security patch for some Galaxy devices
It may not be October yet, but Samsung has already started seeding next month’s security patch to its devices. The Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 phones have received the new update in some regions, including the US. Since the Galaxy A71 is in the bi-annual security updates schedule, it may not get the October SMR. However, other eligible Galaxy smartphones and tablets, including the likes of Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 foldables, will receive the new security patch. We will let you know when those updates roll out.
