Samsung is preparing to end support for a series of smartphones from 2026 onwards, a measure that will directly impact thousands of users. Esta action signals the end of security and operating system updates for eight models launched in 2021 and 2022, in line with the South Korean giant’s product life cycle policy. The decision underscores the importance of consumers being aware of the support schedule for their devices.
Among the affected devices, members of the premium Galaxy S21 line stand out, with the notable exception of the Galaxy S21 FE, which has a different life cycle. Além of these, intermediate models from the Galaxy Z, A and M families are also on the list, indicating that the interruption of support covers several categories of devices.
Smartphones that should stop receiving updates from 2026 include the following models, essential for understanding the impact of the measure:
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy A23
- Galaxy A13
- Galaxy M13
The technical support interruption covers both new versions of the Android operating system and important security packages, generally distributed quarterly. Esta change is a crucial factor in the longevity and security of devices, encouraging consumers to consider purchasing newer devices to maintain the protection of their data and compatibility with new applications and features.
Galaxy S21 line life cycle
Launched in 2021, the Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra models represented the Samsung’s cutting edge in mobile technology at the time of their launch. Estes devices were initially marketed with the Android 11 and received their last major operating system update, the One UI 7 with Android 15, in the year 2024. Este OS update cycle is a standard for the lifetime of the brand’s premium devices.
After the system updates stage, the focus moved to the distribution of security packages, released quarterly to correct vulnerabilities and optimization. Contudo, Samsung’s policy of four years of support for this specific line foresees the definitive closure of these security fixes in early 2026, marking the end of their company-guaranteed useful life.
Foldables and the end of support for old models
The innovative foldable smartphones Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z One UI 7, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to the evolution of its premium devices.
Currently, the foldable duo continues to receive security updates every quarter, an ongoing effort to ensure protection and smooth operation for its users. Estimates, however, indicate that official support for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and
In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE, released a year later in 2022, has an extended software lifecycle. The Este model in particular is expected to continue receiving security fixes until the year 2027, and has already been updated to the One UI 8, which significantly differentiates it from the other members of the S21 lineup in terms of software longevity.
Intermediate devices affected in 2026
In the entry-level and mid-range smartphone segment, the Galaxy A23 and Galaxy A13 models, launched in March 2022, are also approaching the end of their update cycle. Ambos devices received One UI 6, but were left out of the wave of updates for One UI 8, which was made available in mid-2025.
5G connectivity variants of these models continue to benefit from quarterly security updates, a common practice by Samsung to extend the life of devices and ensure that flaws are fixed periodically. However, the estimate is that, like the others, the distribution of these packages will be progressively discontinued, confirming the complete end of technical and software support for this family of smartphones in the coming months, which may lead consumers to consider switching to more recent models.
The case of Galaxy M13 and the update policy
The Galaxy M13, another intermediate model that hit the market in July 2022, presents a scenario very similar to the other devices mentioned that will have support ended. Este smartphone was launched with the Android 12 and its trajectory of operating system updates ended with the Android 14, under the interface 5G variant, an effort to maintain the security of the device. However, the expectation is that, before the official end of support, which is scheduled to occur in 2026, the frequency of these updates will be gradually reduced, moving to a biannual cycle. Essa change in the frequency of updates is a strong indication of the imminent end of the device’s software life cycle, preparing users for the discontinuation of support.
Understanding security and system updates
Samsung maintains a strict schedule for distributing software updates, which is divided into two essential categories: new versions of the Android operating system and the proprietary One UI, and essential security packages. Ambas categories are crucial to the user experience, ensuring both functionality and protection of data stored on devices.
Updates to the Android and the One UI, which is the custom interface for the Samsung, generally occur annually. Cada new version of Android is accompanied by a corresponding One UI, like the arrival of Android 16 which took place under One UI 8, and Android 15 which came together with One UI 7, integrating improvements and new features.
A notable exception to this annual pattern occurred in 2025, when One UI 7 and One UI 8 were released in the same year. Essa acceleration in the update schedule was a response to a change in the development schedule for Google, directly influencing the pace of software distribution from Samsung and other vendors.
Security updates, on the other hand, are distributed more frequently. Elas provide critical fixes for vulnerabilities found in the system, implement performance improvements and resolve bugs in applications and the operating system itself, being fundamental to maintaining the integrity and resilience of the device against cyber threats.
Evolution of Samsung software support
The software update cycle offered by Samsung varies significantly depending on the device category and release date, reflecting a policy adapted to different market segments. Atualmente, the latest and most advanced models such as the Galaxy S24 line and future releases such as the Galaxy S25 enjoy an extended seven-year support for system and security updates. Já the most recent mid-range smartphones generally have a period of six years of updates, which represents a substantial increase in the longevity of the devices compared to previous generations. Para previous editions, such as the Galaxy S22 and S23, the company offers four versions of the