Galaxy S8 Android 7.1 Nougat Update: Download Expected For Samsung 2017 Flagship

The Galaxy S8 will release April 21 running Android 7.0 Nougat, but the latest Samsung flagship may soon update to Android 7.1 Nougat if recent reports are to be believed. SamMobile recently shared details, from an APK Mirror web page, which shows the latest Samsung Health application now being compatible with Android 7.1. This could be an indication that Samsung has plans to update several devices to the more recent version of Android Nougat.

Samsung began updating many devices to Android 7.0 Nougat in January, including the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5. First, the manufacturer was expected to roll out Android 7.1 Nougat to these devices, then reports indicated Samsung was saving Android 7.1 for the Galaxy S8. Neither of these claims came to fruition.

However, a speedy update for the Galaxy S8 would likely be welcome by prospective owners. With this Android version, the Galaxy S8 may upgrade to having Google Daydream VR support. Other Andriod 7.1 features include new emojis and keyboard revamps, which allow users to send GIFs in messenger apps such as Google Allo, Messenger, and Hangouts.

Even if the Galaxy S8 updates to Android 7.1, the handset would still be running a slightly older version, considering Google released the latest Android 7.1.2 Nougat software last week. The update is available for devices including the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus Player and Pixel C and brings a number of bug fixes and the April security update.

Currently, there is no word on which OEMs will update the device to Android 7.1.2 Nougat. It is possible Android smartphone that releases during the summer may run this version. Murmurs suggest Samsung may not use Android 7.1.2 Nougat for its upcoming Galaxy Note 8, but rather the Android O operating system, which may release to market officially before Samsung's future smartphone.

If the Galaxy Note 8 does not feature Android O, it could be in the running for Android 7.1.2 Nougat or possibly a version of Nougat newer still.