PSA: Samsung is stopping software updates for these Galaxy smartphones

It’s time to bid farewell to updates for some of your trusty Samsung companions. If you’re rocking a Galaxy A02s, Galaxy A12, or the Chinese W21 5G (a.k.a. Galaxy Z Fold 2), your software update train is pulling into the station for the last time. Starting this month, Samsung will no longer be providing software updates for these devices.

Samsung, known for its prolific lineup of smartphones and tablets, supports more than 130 devices with regular software updates. These updates come in three flavors: monthly, quarterly, and biannually, depending on the device’s age and price point. However, all good things must come to an end. Unlike recent flagships that enjoy 7 years of support, most devices typically enjoy a few years of updates before Samsung shifts focus to newer models.

The Galaxy A02s, A12, and W21 5G were all launched in late 2020 or early 2021, marking a solid four-year run of updates. The W21 5G, a Chinese variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, received three major OS upgrades, while the A02s and A12 got two major OS upgrades, running Android 12 and One UI 4.1.

If you own one of these devices, fear not! Your phone won’t suddenly stop working. However, you won’t receive any more of those new software updates, including security patches. This means you’ll definitely miss out on some of the cool features coming in Samsung’s One UI 7, now in beta with exciting updates like enhanced customization options.

Additionally, global redesigns and updates to Samsung’s Good Lock app, which make personalizing your Galaxy experience more intuitive, won’t be available for these older models.

While it’s always tough to say goodbye, Samsung’s future looks bright. The Galaxy S25 series is just around the corner, promising sleek new designs and cutting-edge features. Leaked renders show off some impressive upgrades. And if you’re considering an upgrade, Samsung’s got you covered with some enticing pre-order deals, including up to $1,250 off.

As we wave goodbye to updates for the Galaxy A02s, A12, and W21 5G, let’s appreciate the journey these devices have had. They’ve been reliable, sturdy, and packed with features that have served us well. But as technology marches forward, new opportunities and innovations await. So, whether you stick with your trusty device or eye the new models on the horizon, know that the future of Samsung’s Galaxy lineup is as bright as ever.