Samsung Announces End of Software Support for Key Devices

Samsung has released its February 2026 software roadmap, outlining which devices will no longer receive updates. This routine monthly document revealed significant changes, including the complete removal of the Galaxy S21 series from support and the demotion of the Galaxy S22 series to quarterly updates.

Understanding Samsung's Update Tiers

Samsung’s biannual update tier has been discontinued, leaving only monthly and quarterly update categories. While phones continue to function after updates end – calls, apps, and the camera still work – the crucial security layer is no longer maintained. This leaves vulnerabilities unpatched and exposed.

Galaxy S21 Series Reaches End of Life

The Galaxy S21 lineup, launched in January 2021, received its final major OS upgrade, Android 15-based One UI 7.0, in early 2025. The series received updates through Android 12 (November 2021), Android 13 (November 2022), and Android 14 (December 2023). By January 2026, the final security patch was rolled out. As of February 2026, the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra are no longer on Samsung’s official update roster.

While occasional out-of-cycle updates may address critical security vulnerabilities, routine updates are discontinued. Users of the S21 series now face increased security risks. Newer devices, like the Galaxy S24, offer a seven-year update commitment.

Galaxy Note 20 Series Nearing End of Support

The Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra, released in August 2020, were the last devices to feature Samsung’s Note branding. They launched with Android 10 and received three OS upgrades before transitioning to security patches only. The August 2025 security patch was their final update, leaving them on Android 13 with One UI 5.1.

Despite Samsung extending its update policy for newer devices, the Note 20 series will not benefit. Like the Galaxy S20, a surprise security patch may occur, but regular support has ended.

Mid-Range Devices Affected

Samsung’s 2021 mid-range lineup, including the Galaxy A03, A22, A52, F22, F42, M32, and M42, have also reached the end of their software lifecycle. Most received Android 13 with One UI 5/5.1 as their final platform, with the Galaxy A52 reaching Android 14 and One UI 6.1 before being retired. These devices were on the biannual update track before being fully phased out.

Foldable Phones: Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Z Flip 3

Launched in August 2021, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are approaching the end of their software lifecycle. Major Android upgrades have concluded with Android 15. They were moved to quarterly security updates in September 2025 and are expected to receive limited security patches until August 2026, aligning with Samsung’s five-year support policy for foldables from that period.

Galaxy S21 FE: A Slight Extension

The Galaxy S21 FE, released in January 2022, will remain on the update schedule longer than the core S21 family. It is expected to be supported until early 2027, aligning with the Galaxy S22 series. As of early 2026, it has moved to quarterly security updates after receiving Android 15.

Budget Lineup Reaching End of Life

The Galaxy A13, A23, and M13, launched in 2022, are also nearing the end of their software lifecycle. The Galaxy A13 has already received Android 14 with One UI 6.1 and remains on the quarterly security update schedule. The Galaxy A23 and M13 are following a similar path, with updates expected to become less frequent before stopping entirely in the second half of 2026.