Hi guys,
Some points.
- Samsung’s policy on updates is always progressive - and we always encourage users to keep all of their software updated (apps included). Appreciate that not all updates are to all user’s liking though, and it’s good to have specific feedback on them in places like this or error reports via the Members app to help shape things going forward.
- Not liking the message is one thing, personal attacks on the messenger is quite another - and is both unwelcome and unnecessary. Our rules about respecting and being civil to the other guy even if you don’t share the same opinion or experience as them are here in case you weren’t aware: https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/news-rules-faqs/community-terms-of-service/m-p/11997973#M1011 and https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/news-rules-faqs/samsung-community-standards/m-p/11997979#M1012 If you don't like those rules, or think they shouldn't apply to you, well, you know where the door is.
- Before accusing someone of something you should also be aware that this Community forum is supported by the Samsung UK & Ireland team only; and that regional, software, network, and device differences can play a part in the options you can see and are available to you.
For example, from 'Settings > Software update' on my UK Fold6 running One UI7:
And the same on my UK Flip6 running One UI 6.1.1, which only has the ability to enable or disable 'Auto download over Wi-Fi':
You’re free to choose another brand of smartphone that doesn’t have the promise/threat of future software updates as an explicit part of the initial purchase package.
You can also alter the firmware unofficially, but of course that comes with its own risks and bad consequences, which is why we don’t advise it or about it on the official forum here.
I’ve had various Samsung smartphones since 2019, always set the software update settings so that I have some control over downloading and installing them, and, as far as I can recall, every firmware update I’ve had so far has only been manually downloaded and installed by me. If those settings were completely ineffective my Flip6 would be running One UI 7 now too, as that update was initially available for it at the same time as my Fold6. I chose to update one, but not the other at that time. The assertion that the settings advised don’t work at all isn’t entirely accurate or true. Neither is the implication that updates generally are pushed through without a decision made by the end user at some point.
The only “coercive” aspect of it all in my experience is that I’m well aware that if I don’t update then over time my device becomes inevitably less secure, probably less efficient, and the apps less well (or no longer) supported on it, so at some point I’ll need to upgrade the software (and then hardware further down the line) if I’m still wanting a smartphone that does what I want and need it to. The device may or may not bug me with a persistent “update available” type notification, but I can ignore it for as long as I choose to.
If device performance has been impacted following an update, there are steps that can be taken (such as clearing the cache partition, or updating/uninstalling/reinstalling apps, for example) that can help in clearing clutter or glitches that may be the actual cause of it. As I indicated above, error reports also help a lot in identifying things not working at all or at a subpar level and in getting those resolved. In more extreme cases, the device can be physically repaired – free of charge if still covered by a warranty.
I do get why someone would want to stay in a Goldilocks zone for them: it’s great when you find that sweet spot. And UI changes can be great for one person, and suck for another. But the idea that you’ll have a perfectly performing product forever if you never update is either naïve or in stubborn denial of a fundamental aspect of the reality of technology: it always moves on… even if you don’t. The landscape is constantly and rapidly changing; and when it comes to being vocal about that changing landscape, you can either futilely shout at it (like King Canute) to stop, or you can help shape it.
