Samsung Galaxy S6 update to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow: rollout, beta, and all the new features

  • The rollout of Android 6.0.1 for Galaxy S6/S6 Edge is gradual by region and carrier, with market-specific announcements.
  • In Europe, it may depend on Samsung Pay and local agreements; the OTA may arrive before or after MWC depending on the country.
  • There is a beta program (SM-G920F/SM-G925F BTU models) and a manual option with ODIN for advanced users, always with caution.
  • Key new features: Doze, permissions, Now on Tap, a lighter TouchWiz, improvements to Samsung Internet, Cross App, Secret Mode, and better RAM.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Android 6.0 Marshmallow Update

It seemed that the update The update for the Samsung Galaxy S6 wouldn't arrive until after Mobile World Congress. Specifically, it was said that the update would arrive at the end of February or in March. Android 6.0 Marshmallow for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. However, this hasn't been the case; some of these devices are already updating in certain regions.

Update

Su update It seemed set for March, but that might not be the case. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge are already receiving the update to the new operating system version in South Korea, although currently only the carrier-branded versions are getting it. SK TelecomThese are the Samsung SM-G920S and SM-G925S models. The update should be available soon for unlocked and carrier-locked smartphones in South Korea.

In parallel, Samsung initiated a gradual deployment in the main markets where the Galaxy S6 is available. The company usually releases the OTA update gradually and publishes Individual ads by device and market This staggered rollout depends on the needs of each operator. This is normal and may cause some users to take days or weeks to see the download notification.

It is worth noting that the compilation being sent corresponds to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, which includes fixes for version 6.0. General system improvements include Now on TapThe new permission manager per application, native support of fingerprint and the mode Pickups of energy optimization. Samsung, for its part, has lightened TouchWizIt has tweaked the interface with cleaner color palettes and improved the experience on Edge panels.

Practical recommendations: Make sure you have sufficient battery and free space before updating, perform a Backup And if your device is locked to a carrier, keep in mind that the OTA update may take longer. As with any major update, there may be minor issues. initial errors which are solved with successive patches.

Samsung Galaxy Edge S6

Launch in Europe

Of course, that doesn't mean the update for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge will also be released soon in Europe. In fact, what has been said so far could come to pass: the update might not arrive until the end of February or even March. Moreover, we already mentioned at the time that one possibility was that the update would arrive so late because it would include the launch of... Samsung Pay In Europe. Samsung will likely unveil the launch of its mobile payments platform in Europe at Mobile World Congress, specifically in Barcelona, ​​having already reached an initial agreement with CaixaBank. Everything seems to fit together. However, it's also possible that this won't be the case, and that users with a Samsung Galaxy S6 or Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge will be able to update to the new operating system version before Mobile World Congress. Incidentally, it's not Android 6.0, but rather... Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Beyond dates, Samsung confirmed that the package It is already being distributed and that it will continue to arrive gradually. For other devices (for example, Note or Galaxy A series), the brand publishes specific notes by region, so the European schedule may vary depending on the country and operator.

Marshmallow news on Galaxy S6

Beta program and options for impatient people

Before the final OTA, Samsung opened a beta program in which users with UK unlocked models (firmware BTUParticipants were able to try Marshmallow using the Galaxy Care app. The key requirements were having a SM-G920F (S6) or SM-G925F (S6 Edge) unlocked. Among the improvements noted by testers: new animations of the system, revamped notification panel, option to enable/disable the fast charge, control of shutter speed in Pro mode and better management of the RAM.

If the OTA update doesn't arrive and you know what you're doing, there's manual installation with ODINalways downloading the exact firmware for your Exynos model (SM-G920F/SM-G925FEssential considerations: entering Download Mode, upload the file to AP, do not mark Division and wait for it to finish. This method is at your own risk; incorrect firmware may disable the device.

Known new features with a lighter TouchWiz

In addition to Marshmallow's native features (Now on Tap, granular permissionsDoze, footprint, Chrome Custom Tabs, redesign of the app drawer and the System UI Tuner (for advanced settings), Samsung adds its own improvements for the S6:

  • Samsung Internet 4.0: plus speedoptions privacy and integration with APIs for content blockers. Improvements to HTML5 and a more stable experience with a poor connection.
  • Cross AppDirect access to frequently used apps from messaging apps to send photos and videos without leaving the conversation.
  • Secret Fashion y Secure Web Auto Login: protected browsing and more secure autologin, with support from fingerprint reader.
  • Gear VR compatibilityOptimized support for experiences virtual reality on the S6 with Marshmallow.
  • Standby App and support MIDI: improved rest from inactive apps and new audio possibilities; control of speed when playing video.

Important: Some functions such as Android Pay They depend on local availability and agreements in each country. The mention of USB Type-C in other guides does not apply to the S6, which uses Micro‑USB.

Here are some common behaviors to watch out for after a version jump: small bugs with Bluetooth or sensors, issues with MMS or the app store, and sound settings. Most are fixed with patches or cache resets. It's always a good idea to update your apps, and if problems persist, consider a reinstatement after backup.

Regarding the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ and the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (which has not yet been released in Europe), these devices do not yet have an update available to the latest version of the operating system. The company indicated that there will be one. specific communications by model and market, so their turn will come as the rollout progresses.

If you have a Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, it's worth manually checking in Settings > Software update. The jump to Android 6.0.1 It brings improvements in performance, battery life, and privacy, along with a more polished interfaceTherefore, it is one of the most recommended updates to extend the life of the device.

Related article:
Android Marshmallow: Key New Features, Tricks, and Usability Improvements

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