Own a Samsung Galaxy? Get Ready for This Surprise Play Store Update!

For several months, certain Galaxy smartphones had not been receiving updates from the Play Store. Samsung has finally started addressing this issue, although only specific models are currently affected.

Updates to the Google Play System have become critical for all Android smartphones. They do not alter the user interface, but they fix vulnerabilities, enhance service compatibility, and ensure the Play Store operates smoothly. Unlike standard Android updates, these are independent of the device manufacturer. However, these updates had mysteriously stopped on some Galaxy devices.

For several weeks, users of Samsung smartphones reported that their devices were stuck on older versions of the Google Play System. Samsung had halted these updates without providing specific reasons. According to Android Authority, the company had temporarily paused the updates during the rollout of new versions of its One UI interface. The situation is finally improving, but not all devices are included yet.

Galaxy S10, S20, and S21 Models Finally Receive Google Play Updates

Some smartphones from the Galaxy range are beginning to receive recent Google Play updates. Versions identified range from November 2025 to January 2026, according to users. This indicates that the update process has resumed on some older models.

The following Samsung Galaxy models are currently eligible for the Play Store update:

• Galaxy S10
• Galaxy S10e
• Galaxy S10+
• Galaxy S20
• Galaxy S20+
• Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Galaxy S21
• Galaxy S21+
• Galaxy S21 Ultra

Newer models, such as the Galaxy S23 or foldable phones, are not yet included. However, Samsung has stated that the full resumption of updates is expected later in the month.

Meanwhile, Google continues to enhance the functionalities of the Play Store. A new feature called “Try Before You Buy” is currently in development. This feature will allow users to test paid games for free and keep their progress if they decide to purchase. This option will rely on the latest versions of the app library, underscoring the importance of receiving timely updates. Models that remain stuck on older versions may miss out on these new features.