Samsung Ends Support for Four Galaxy Models, Slows S21 FE Update Pace

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Samsung has updated its software support policy for several Galaxy smartphones. The changes include a new quarterly update plan for the Galaxy S21 FE and the end of software support for four older Galaxy devices. If you are using any of those four models, you will no longer receive updates.

Galaxy S21 FE moves to quarterly updates

The Galaxy S21 FE, launched in early 2022 with Android 12, has enjoyed three major Android upgrades since its debut. It now runs on Android 15 with One UI 7 and will soon make the jump to One UI 8, which brings Android 16. The device should also receive One UI 8.5 sometime next year, with security patches continuing at least until early 2027.

However, Samsung has changed how often the phone will receive those updates. Instead of monthly releases, the Galaxy S21 FE will now get security patches every three months. While this means users will receive new features and improvements less frequently, Samsung will continue to deliver essential security fixes to keep the device safe and stable for a while.

Four Galaxy phones reach the end of software support

Alongside the new update schedule for the ageing Fan Edition smartphone, Samsung has officially ended software support for four of its older budget and mid-range models. The Galaxy A52s, Galaxy A03s, Galaxy M32 5G, and Galaxy F42 are done getting updates, not even security patches. Samsung has entirely removed these devices from its official update list.

While this marks the end of Samsung’s direct software support, users can still use these phones for everyday tasks. They will continue to receive Google Play system updates, which help maintain essential services like banking, messaging, and app security. However, you are no longer protected against the latest threats and vulnerabilities, so upgrading to a newer model is a good idea.

Written by

Sumit Adhikari

Sumit, a life-long Samsung user, is passionate about technology and has been professionally writing on tech since 2017. He’s a mathematics graduate by education and enjoys teaching basic mathematics tricks to school kids in his spare time. Sumit believes in artificial intelligence and dreams of a fully open, intelligent and connected world.

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