apple widens Lead in Software Updates as iOS 26.1 Looms
Cupertino, CA – September 29, 2025 – Apple is poised to further extend its advantage over Samsung in the smartphone software update race with the impending release of iOS 26.1. The update will revamp Apple’s ”Rapid Security Responses,” introduced in 2023, rebranding them as “Background Security Improvements” that install instantly and silently to address urgent security fixes. This move comes as Samsung’s latest one UI 8 update, based on Android 16, rolls out to galaxy phones more than four months after Android 16 was released to all supported Pixel devices on June 10.
The widening gap in update delivery highlights a key differentiator between the iOS and Android ecosystems. While Samsung commands the largest share of the Android market and delivers exceptional updates, it remains reliant on Google’s release schedule. Android 16 includes critical security and privacy upgrades, making the delayed rollout to millions of Samsung users a potential concern. Apple’s consistent and rapid deployment of both major and minor iOS releases, now perhaps streamlined with the new “Background Security Improvements,” underscores its control over the software experience for iPhone users.
Google is attempting to address update fragmentation by shifting to a quarterly release schedule for major Android updates, supplemented by critical security patches. Though, Apple’s efficiency in delivering updates-major and minor-could further solidify its position as the leader in timely software support.