Samsung is widely known for offering some of the best software support in the Android ecosystem. Over the past few years, the company has significantly improved its update policy, promising up to 7 years of Android and security updates for some flagship devices and up to 4 major Android upgrades for many mid-range phones. Today, we’ll take a look at the list of Samsung phones that will reach the end of support soon.
While a huge line-up of Galaxy devices will still get the One UI 8.5 update, older Galaxy devices eventually reach the end of their software support cycle. In 2026, several popular Samsung smartphones are expected to stop receiving major Android updates and possibly even security patches.
If you are using an older Galaxy phone, this guide will help you check whether your device is among the Samsung phones that will stop getting updates in 2026.
Samsung Software Update Policy Explained
Samsung currently offers different update policies depending on the device category.
- Flagship devices: Up to 7 years of Android and security updates (newer models)
- Older flagship models: Up to 4 Android updates and 5 years of security updates
- Mid-range Galaxy A series: Usually 3–4 Android updates
- Budget Galaxy devices: Around 2 Android updates
Because of these policies, many phones released between 2021 and 2022 are approaching the end of their official support window.
Phones Expected to Stop Getting Updates in 2026
The following Galaxy smartphones are expected to reach the end of their software support lifecycle in 2026, according to Samsung’s update policy.
Galaxy S Series
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy S21+
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Galaxy S21 lineup launched in early 2021 with Android 11 and was promised four Android upgrades. These devices are expected to receive their final major updates before support gradually ends around 2026.
Galaxy Z Series
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Samsung’s third-generation foldables were among the first foldable phones to receive extended software support. However, their support window is also expected to close around 2026.
Galaxy A Series
- Samsung Galaxy A52
- Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A52s
- Samsung Galaxy A72
These popular mid-range devices launched in 2021 and received multiple Android upgrades. By 2026, most of them are expected to reach the end of their official support period.
Galaxy M Series
- Samsung Galaxy M32
- Samsung Galaxy M42
- Samsung Galaxy M52
The Galaxy M lineup focuses on large batteries and affordable pricing, but these devices usually receive fewer Android updates compared to flagship models.
Should You Upgrade Your Samsung Phone?
When Samsung stops supporting a device, it no longer receives:
- Major Android version upgrades
- Security patches
- Bug fixes and system improvements
- New One UI features
This does not mean the phone will stop working, but over time, it may become less secure and may not support newer apps or features. If your Galaxy device is nearing the end of its support lifecycle, upgrading to a newer phone can provide several benefits:
- Longer software support
- Better security protection
- Improved performance
- Access to the latest Android and One UI features
Newer Samsung devices, such as the latest Galaxy S series, Galaxy Z foldables, and recent Galaxy A models, now offer significantly longer update support.
Samsung has made major improvements to its software update policy in recent years, but older devices inevitably reach the end of their lifecycle. Several Galaxy smartphones released around 2021 are expected to stop receiving updates in 2026.
If you are currently using one of the devices listed above, you may still be able to use it without issues, but upgrading to a newer Galaxy phone will ensure better security and continued access to new Android features.
