Samsung Updates Millions of Galaxy Phones to Keep Users Loyal

Despite Google's efforts, Samsung remains the top Android competitor to the iPhone, with both companies dominating the premium smartphone market. It's no surprise, then, that Samsung is adopting some of Apple's most effective strategies to retain users within its ecosystem.

Apple’s strategy to prevent users from leaving has two key aspects. First is the “stickiness” of its apps and services, which lock users into its ecosystem. Apple excels here, with its services like iCloud, Apple Music, and iMessage, the latter often criticized for creating a barrier to switching. Samsung faces a greater challenge, as it relies heavily on Google and Android. Its recent move to integrate Google Messages highlights this. However, Samsung is making its own moves by requiring users to create a Samsung account to access its app store and core apps.

The second part of Apple's strategy is security, where it has built a strong reputation over the years. Apple consistently emphasizes the trust users can place in the security of their devices and data, as seen in comparisons between Chrome and Safari’s privacy protections. Similarly, Samsung has announced the expansion of its Knox security platform, reinforcing the security of its ecosystem, much like Apple’s approach.

Samsung’s new Knox Matrix aims to create a private blockchain system where connected devices monitor each other for security threats through multi-layered checks. The more Samsung devices you have, the more secure you’ll be—similar to Apple’s ecosystem. Features like "Credential Sync" protect login information across devices, offering encrypted data transfer and simplifying password management.

Samsung is also introducing a “Trust Chain,” where connected devices monitor each other for threats, provide alerts, and take actions to block attacks. This security system works across Samsung’s devices, whether they run Android, Tizen, Windows, or other operating systems.

While many of these features have been available on select devices, Samsung is now expanding Knox to more Galaxy devices, including the S series, A series, and Tab S series, all running One UI 6. New security tools like Passkeys and Knox Vault will also be included. These updates enhance Samsung's trusted ecosystem, or "walled garden," which is beneficial for both Samsung and its users.

Samsung’s approach is similar to Apple’s long-standing strategy, creating a deeper, more seamless security experience across devices, making it inconvenient for users to switch to another brand. Samsung’s innovations ensure that Galaxy devices offer enhanced security and connectivity, making them hard to leave behind for a Pixel or iPhone. If your Galaxy device is compatible, it’s essential to update to take full advantage of these new features.