Google And Samsung Will Now Release Monthly OTA Android Security Updates

Earlier today, Samsung announced that it would now provide security patches for its Android devices “about once per month.” In addition to Samsung, Google also today announced a similar program for its Nexus devices. Both Samsung and Google will release these security patches as over-the-air updates.

As Google notes, the company notifies Android manufacturers about security issues through a monthly bulletin. Most of the fixes for these issues, however, only arrive in the form of point updates. Now, Nexus (and Samsung) users will get security patches significantly faster, and Google will release these fixes to the public through the Android open-source project.

The first Google update will fix the recently discovered libStageFright issue, for example — the security issue that allowed for remote code execution through a simple text message. The update with this fix is rolling out to Nexus devices now.

Nexus devices covered by this new program include the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10 and Nexus Player.

Google says it will offer major updates to its Nexus devices for two years and security patches will be available for three years from initial availability “or 18 months from last sale of the device via the Google Store.”

The details about Samsung’s program remain unclear, though. The company says it is talking to carriers right now and “in collaboration with carriers and partners, more details about the specific models and timelines will be released soon.”