Samsung has set a timeline for the end of software support for a list of eight popular smartphone models throughout 2026. The measure directly impacts devices launched between 2021 and 2022, which were marketed under the company’s older update policies. At the end of the cycle, these devices will no longer receive important monthly or quarterly security patches.
For owners of these cell phones, the main consequence is exposure to security vulnerabilities that will no longer be officially fixed by the manufacturer. Embora devices remain operational for everyday tasks, the lack of updates makes them easier targets for malware and other digital threats that exploit newly discovered flaws in the Android operating system.
The South Korean company’s decision is in line with the life cycle promised at the time of launch of each model. Nos In recent years, Samsung has improved its policy, extending the support period for newer releases, with some high-end devices receiving up to seven years of updates, a change that does not benefit older models that are now approaching the end of their scheduled support.
Top-of-the-line models that reach the end of their cycle
The most prominent group of devices affected by the measure is the Galaxy S21 line, launched globally in January 2021. The Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 7.
Currently, these smartphones are already on a quarterly security update schedule, a phase that precedes the complete end of support. Under the then-current five-year security patch policy, support will end in early 2026, marking the end of any new official fixes.
A notable exception within the family is the Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition). As it was launched a year later, in January 2022, its update cycle is different, and the device will continue to receive software support until the beginning of 2027, guaranteeing another year of security for its users.
The foldable smartphones Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, presented to the public in August 2021, follow a similar fate to the S21 line. Eles will also end its support cycle in the second half of 2026, completing the five years of security fixes promised by the manufacturer.
Intermediate devices will also be discontinued
The support termination policy is not restricted to just the most expensive models. Aparelhos popular intermediaries from the Galaxy A line, launched in 2022, are also on the list. The Galaxy A23 and the Galaxy A13, both revealed in March of that year, left the factory with the Android 12 and had their cycle of major updates ended with the arrival of the Android 14.
These models, including their variants with 5G connectivity, are currently receiving security patches every three months. The four-year outright support will end sometime in 2026, leaving users without new fixes. Galaxy M13, July 2022, follows a similar pattern, with the end of support expected in the same year.
Understand the Samsung update policy
Samsung’s software strategy is divided into two distinct fronts, each with a specific purpose for the device’s useful life. The first are the major updates to the Android operating system, which are released annually and bring with them a new version of the brand’s personalized interface, the One UI. Essas updates are responsible for introducing new features, visual changes and general performance improvements.
The second front, and perhaps the most crucial for user security, are security patches. Liberados more often, they do not change the version of Android, but they fix critical flaws and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by digital criminals. Nos first years of a premium device’s life, these corrections are monthly.
As time passes and new models are launched, the frequency of these updates decreases, moving to quarterly and, in some cases, semi-annual in the final phase of support. Complete closure means that no new discovered vulnerabilities will be patched, leaving the software permanently unprotected against future threats.
The evolution of the support offered by the brand
Over the past few years, Samsung has demonstrated a significant effort to extend the longevity of its devices, becoming one of the leaders of the Android ecosystem in this regard. The policy governing the Galaxy S21 line, with four major system updates and five years of security, was already considered robust for the time. Contudo, the company raised the bar for subsequent models, responding to growing consumer demand for longer-lasting and safer devices. Starting with the Galaxy S22 series, for example, the promise was kept, solidifying trust in the brand.
The real breakthrough came with the Galaxy S24 line, released in early 2024, for which Samsung announced an unprecedented seven-full year commitment to both operating system updates and security patches. Essa change not only drastically extends the useful life of devices, but also increases their value in the pre-owned market. Essa new policy positions Samsung in direct competition with the software support offered by
What are the risks for those who continue using the devices?
The end of security support does not mean that the cell phone will stop working, but the risks associated with its continued use increase exponentially over time. Sem the fixes for new vulnerabilities, devices become an “open book” for cyber attacks. Hackers and malware creators often target outdated operating systems because the flaws are public knowledge and easy to exploit. Isso can result in the theft of personal data, such as passwords, banking information and photos, as well as the installation of spy software that monitors all user activities. Além In addition, essential applications, especially those from financial institutions and government services, may stop working. The developers of these apps frequently update their security requirements, requiring newer versions of Android to ensure the protection of customer transactions and data. Portanto, continuing to use an unsupported device could mean losing access to banking services and other critical platforms.
Full list of affected devices
To help users prepare, the consolidated list of models that will lose security support throughout 2026 is as follows: Galaxy A23 (including 5G version), Galaxy A13 (including 5G version) and the Galaxy M13.