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Whether you just ordered a shiny new Galaxy S24 or have an older Samsung Galaxy phone, it’ll eventually stop getting software updates. So, how long will your Samsung Galaxy be supported with major Android OS releases? That’s a complicated question.
As many of you know, most Android phones don’t get updates for as long as an iPhone. However, Samsung andGoogle are working hardto change that narrative. If you’re wonderinghow long your Android will get updates, it unfortunately varies by manufacturer and model. Thankfully, Samsung Galaxy Phones are starting to last much longer, and here’s what to know about your phone.
Samsung’s Software Update Promise
In 2021,Samsung announcedthat all new phones made after 2019 would see at least three major updates and four years of security releases. That’s why your old Galaxy S10 isno longer getting updates.
Then, in 2023, the companyextended that pledge to five yearsfor most phones,including foldables. That’s four years of Android releases and five years of security updates. This isn’t just for flagship models but for many mid-range phones, budget Galaxy A devices, tablets, and more. Thankfully, Samsung shared anexhaustive list of device security supportwhere you may look up your exact model.
Galaxy Devices Getting Seven Years of Android Updates
With thenew Galaxy S24 series launch, Samsung is now promising seven years of major Android OS updates, which matches Google’s efforts for new Pixel phones. That’s a big deal, and it means anyone who buys the Galaxy S24 (running Android 14) will get major Android OS updates and security releases until 2031, potentially Android 21 or whatever it’ll be called at that time.
Expect high-end devices like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and other future flagships to get similar treatment.
Galaxy Devices Getting Four Years of Android Updates
As we mentioned earlier, most Galaxy phones and tablets released throughout the last several years will be eligible for four years of Android OS updates from the date they’re released, along with another year or so for security patches after that. Here are some notable models.
While we’re mainly focusing on phones and tablets here, the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 6 series should receive the same four-year update life cycle.
Older Galaxy Devices Getting Three Years of Android Updates
Sadly, most phones older than the Galaxy S21 series (like the Note 20, Galaxy A32, etc.) were released when Samsung only offered three years of major Android updates. As a result, you should considerreplacing old devices like the Galaxy Note 10, as they’ll no longer be getting updates.
It’s worth noting that while newer Galaxy A models like the 2023Galaxy A54 5G will get five years of OS updates, we’re not sure if all future A-series releases will get the same treatment.
Either way, Samsung is clearly working hard to update as many phones as possible to deliver longer lifespans. That goes for Android OS updates and monthly, quarterly, or bi-annual security patches. In closing, remember that these update paths are subject to change at Samsung’s discretion, and some timelines will differ depending on the region and model.
