Sunday, 11 October 2026
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Samsung promises up to seven years of updates for its top phones

A look at which Samsung phones, tablets and wearables still get Android updates in 2026 and when support ends.

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  1. 01Which Samsung phones stay updated in 2026
  2. 02Samsung tablets and their update windows
  3. 03Wearables get updates too
  4. 04What happens if your device is no longer supported?
  5. 05What this means for everyday people
  6. 06What you can do now
  7. 07Quick answers

The short version

  • Samsung reveals a tiered update timeline for 2026, with flagship devices lasting up to seven years and mid-range devices around five to six years.
  • Some older models stop receiving updates sooner, including popular folding phones and several A-series models.
  • Tablets and wearables also follow the tiered pattern, with longer windows for newer tablets and some wearables receiving updates through late 2026 or beyond.
  • Ending updates can expose devices to security risks and app compatibility issues, so plan upgrades accordingly.
Quick read · 1 min

Samsung’s 2026 update map shows longer support for many devices. Flagships can get updates for up to seven years, mid-range devices around five to six years, and budget models about four years. End dates vary by model, with newer tablets and wearables often clocking longer windows.

For everyday users, the takeaway is to check your device’s end date and plan ahead to avoid security gaps or app issues. Check Settings > Software update or Samsung’s update list to verify dates.

Next steps: compare upgrade options now to align with longer support, back up data, and prepare for a replacement before updates stop.

Samsung’s 2026 software update schedule confirms which devices will keep getting Android updates and for how long. The company lays out a tiered approach across phones, tablets and wearables, giving everyday users a framework to plan upgrades without guessing when support ends.

In short, higher-end phones tend to receive longer support windows, while budget and some mid-range models end updates earlier. Exact end dates vary by device, but the pattern helps you estimate how long your device will stay current as new Android features arrive.

01

Which Samsung phones stay updated in 2026

Flagship models can receive updates for up to seven years; mid-range devices typically keep updates for about five to six years; budget devices around four years. In 2026, the Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra will continue getting updates through February 2027. The S22 lineup and the S21 FE 5G lost official updates earlier in 2026. Newer foldables like the Fold 5 and Flip 5 continue to receive updates beyond that window.

Other note-worthy phones include the Galaxy A15, which will see updates through December 2027, and the A24, which lasts until May 2027. The A34 and A54 5G follow updates through March 2027, while the A73 no longer receives updates as of April 2026.

Tablet with stylus lying on a wooden table
02

Samsung tablets and their update windows

The update plan for tablets mirrors the phone strategy. The Tab S9, S9+ and S9 Ultra will receive Android updates until August 2027, with the FE variants extending to October 2027. The Tab A9+ and A9 have shorter lifespans, ending in late 2026, while the Active line shows longer support for some models, Active 5 goes to 2028 and Active 5 Pro to 2033.

03

Wearables get updates too

The Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro will continue to receive Wear OS updates through December 2026, matching the longer window many Samsung devices enjoy in the mobile space.

Smartwatch beside a smartphone on a clean surface
04

What happens if your device is no longer supported?

Often there’s no early notice. Check Samsung’s official update list or search for your exact model to confirm. If updates stop, security patches dry up and apps may start to break or run oddly on older OS versions. You may also see slower app performance or unfamiliar prompts as apps optimize for newer software.

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05

What this means for everyday people

The practical takeaway is simple: know your device’s end date and use that to guide future purchases. If your current phone still gets updates, you can stretch its life a bit longer. If you’re on an older model, compare the cost of keeping it a bit longer versus upgrading to something with a longer future-proofing window.

06

What you can do now

Look up your model’s status on Samsung’s update list or in Settings > Software update to confirm end dates. If you’re nearing the cutoff, start planning a transition: back up your data, test essential apps, and consider options that promise longer support to minimize future headaches.

07

Quick answers

How do I check if my Samsung phone is still getting updates?

Open Settings, select Software update, and see if your device has the latest Android version and security patch. You can also search Samsung’s official update list for your model.

What happens if my phone stops receiving updates?

Your device may miss security patches and eventually face app compatibility issues as newer apps require newer OS features.

Should I upgrade now or wait?

It depends on your current device and how critical longer support is for you. If you handle banking or work apps on your phone, a model with a longer update horizon can save trouble later.

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