Android M 6.0.1 Marshmallow Release Date Updates for Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Note 4, Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+

Feb 29, 2016 09:54 AM EST

Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are already getting the latest Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update. Now, it looks like Google is finally rolling out its latest OS version to the South Korean giant's more recent models, the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+.

At present, Android 6.0.1 is being distributed to Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Note 5 device in South Korea. SamMobile reports that S6 Edge+ units on the SK Telecom network are currently getting the upgrade. It has built number G928SKSU2BPAG and comes more than 1 gigabyte in size, the firmware update can be downloaded over-the-air or manually installed via Samsung's Smart Switch desktop application.

Users of the Galaxy Note 5 in the said Asian country are initially receiving the update. Local carriers LG U Plus as well as SK Telecom are reportedly rolling it out OTA, with the other major carriers to follow soon.

There is no official word about when Android 6.0.1 will arrive at other markets where the Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Note 5 is available. However, previous trends suggest that once an Android firmware becomes available initially in one region, it is only a matter of weeks before it becomes available globally.

It also pays to note that Samsung has released Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow only for the unlocked versions of Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones available in the United States and other markets. It is not known when the carrier variants of these smartphones will receive the latest OS upgrade.

Meanwhile, the device manufacturer has not announced the release date for the Android 6.0.1 update on its 2014 flagship phablet, the Galaxy Note 4. Nevertheless, users who do not want to wait until Samsung releases the latest firmware on their units can install a custom ROM that was created for a handful of models including the Note 4. That third-party ROM is called Android Open Kang Project (AOKP) and is based on Marshmallow. While it does carry over a version 6.0.1 interface, it is still in testing stage and users may have to follow several steps in order to install it.

Features and improvements that Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow carries over on the S6, S6 Edge, Note 5 and S6 Edge+ include the Doze battery manager, Google Now on Tap, better app permissions control, a newer Samsung browser with support for ad-blocking, and visual touches to the interface.

Emoji lovers may also have more reasons to be excited about the arrival of version 6.0.1. A total of 159 new emojis will be available for Samsung's newest flagships, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. But those who own older models may also enjoy them once Android 6.0.1 is running their devices, according to 9to5Google.

The set of new emojis include fresh faces like Money-Mouth Face, Face with Rolling Eyes, Face With Thermometer, Thinking Face, Upside-Down Face, Robot Face, and Nerd Face among others. Some of the new animals added to the emoji section are Turkey, Lion Face, Dove of Peace, Crab, Chipmunk, Scorpion and more.