Full List: Samsung phones that will stop getting updates in 2026

Samsung’s February 2026 software roadmap confirms a major shift in its update policy, with older Galaxy pjhones losing support and the company streamlining its update tiers.

The most notable change is the removal of the Galaxy S21 lineup from active support, while the Galaxy S22 series has been downgraded to quarterly updates. Samsung has also scrapped its biannual update tier, leaving only monthly and quarterly schedules.

What happens when support ends?

Devices don’t stop working after updates end — calls, apps, and core features continue to function. However, security updates cease, meaning newly discovered vulnerabilities are no longer patched, increasing long-term risk.

Flagships reaching end of the line

The Galaxy S21 series, launched in 2021, has now completed its promised lifecycle of Android upgrades and security patches. It received its final update in early 2026 and has been removed from Samsung’s official support list, although the Galaxy S21 FE remains active due to its later release.

Similarly, the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra — Samsung’s last Note devices — stopped receiving updates after August 2025. They remain functional but no longer receive regular security support.

Mid-range models phased out

Several 2021 mid-range devices, including the Galaxy A52, A03, A22, F22, F42, M32, and M42, have also reached end-of-life. Most of these phones topped out at Android 13, with limited updates before being fully retired.

Foldables nearing retirement

Samsung’s early foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, are now in their final support phase. Both devices have received their last major OS update and are expected to stop getting security patches by August 2026.

Devices still hanging on

The Galaxy S21 FE continues on quarterly updates and is expected to remain supported until around 2027. Meanwhile, budget models like the Galaxy A13, A23, and M13 are nearing the end of their lifecycle, with support likely to end later in 2026.

Bigger picture

Samsung’s evolving update policy reflects a broader shift toward longer support for newer devices, with recent flagships now offering up to seven years of updates. However, millions of users with older models are now transitioning out of that support window, marking the end of regular security maintenance for a wide range of Galaxy smartphones.

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