Missing the next Samsung Galaxy update could have dire consequences for millions of phone owners

While it's always important to install the latest software updates when they become available ...it's usually because they contain exciting new features, design tweaks, and fixes for annoying bugs and glitches that might be impacting your experience with the device. But what separates so-called "zero-day" flaws is these are software flaws already known to hackers and actively exploited in cyber attacks.

In other words, it's a race to get the fix into the hands of as many people as possible. When the latest software for Galaxy smartphones is released, it's one that you cannot afford to postpone.

When the flaw was originally discovered in Google Pixel smartphones, the US government issued a deadline for all employees to install the fix — or stop using their handsets. Google issued a patch back in June.

Speaking to Forbes, a spokesperson for Samsung confirmed the same zero-day flaw had been uncovered in its Galaxy smartphones and would be patched in an upcoming software update, scheduled for August. After initially being told that it could take three months to roll-out a fix, the engineers at Samsung have seemingly surpassed themselves by turning around the critical update in a few weeks.

“The target schedule for this fix is August… [albeit] this may vary on network provider and device,” the South Korean technology firm told Forbes. Mobile networks, like EE, Three, and O2, need to verify software updates to ensure they'll work with their masts and other systems. This process takes time and leads to updates rolling-out at slightly different times depending on which mobile carrier you're using — so it's tough to predict an exact release date. But as soon as an update is pending on your Galaxy phone next month, install it immediately.

Samsung releases monthly software updates that patch up smaller bugs and glitches in its mobile operating system, known as One UI, which is based on Google-developed Android. However, it seems this zero-day flaw is serious enough that Samsung has broken its usual release pattern to get the fix out-the-door.

"Software updates are like oil changes and tune-ups for your phone or tablets — they keep things running smoothly. They also help improve the user interface, enhance security, and remove minor bugs," Samsung states on its online Help pages. "We recommend updating the software whenever a new version is available so you can make sure your device stays in tip-top shape."

Your Galaxy phone might prompt you when there's a software update waiting to be installed, but to be proactive, it's possible to trigger the update manually as soon as it's released.

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To do that, swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the Notifications shade, then tap the Settings icon.

This loads the main Settings menu, from there you'll need to head to Software Update > Download and Install > Check For System Updates. If a new software update is available, it'll begin downloading automatically, although you may need to tap Download Now on some devices.

When the download is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.