In an unexpected move, Samsung has reportedly initiated the rollout of its May security update for carrier-locked versions of the Galaxy S25 series in the United States. Typically, such updates are prioritized for unlocked models before reaching carrier-locked devices. This time, however, carrier-locked phones seem to be receiving the update ahead of their unlocked counterparts. The update primarily focuses on enhancing security rather than introducing new features.

Samsung's decision to prioritize carrier-locked devices marks a departure from its usual approach. Historically, the company has favored distributing updates and security patches to unlocked phones first, leaving carrier-locked models to wait for weeks or longer. According to tech news site SamMobile, this particular update carries the firmware version S93xUSQS3AYD. It is relatively minor, concentrating solely on delivering the May 2025 security patch without any significant feature additions.

Reports indicate that major U.S. carriers have begun pushing out the update, although specifics regarding which carriers are involved remain undisclosed. Interestingly, Verizon's official update tracker, known for its prompt listings, does not yet reflect the update's availability. Nevertheless, the credibility of SamMobile’s claim is bolstered by corroborating information from SammyFans, reinforcing the likelihood of the update's rollout.

For users with carrier-locked Galaxy S25 phones, manual checks for the update can be performed via Settings > Software Update. Meanwhile, owners of unlocked models will need to wait a bit longer for the update to reach them. In the near future, Samsung is expected to release further details concerning the specific security fixes included in this update.

This shift in update strategy by Samsung highlights a potential change in how the company handles software distribution for different device types. By addressing security concerns promptly across all device variants, Samsung may be aiming to enhance user trust and satisfaction. As more information becomes available, both carrier-locked and unlocked Galaxy S25 users can anticipate improved security measures for their devices.