Every year, numerous Galaxy devices lose eligibility for future Android OS updates after receiving the promised number of updates. This year is no different, with Android 15 being the final major OS update for many Galaxy smartphones.
I’ve compiled a list of Samsung Galaxy devices that will no longer receive OS updates after upgrading to Android 15. Check the list to see if your device is reaching the end of its OS update lifecycle.
Importance of Android OS Updates
Android OS updates bring exciting new features, improvements, and UI changes that enhance user experience. However, at some point, your device will become ineligible for future updates. It’s important to stay informed about future OS availability for your device to ensure you don’t miss out on the latest features.
Android 15: The Last OS Update for These Galaxy Phones
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy A14
- Galaxy A14 5G
- Galaxy A05
- Galaxy A05s
- Galaxy M14 4G
- Galaxy M14 5G
- Galaxy F14 5G
This unofficial list is based on the software update policy for each Samsung Galaxy phone and tablet. These devices may receive Android 15 as their final OS update unless Samsung extends support. However, they will also get the One UI 7.1 incremental update and continue to receive security patches for a period.
Galaxy M-series and F-series phones typically get two major Android OS updates, so those launched with Android 13 will get Android 15 as their final update. The Galaxy A-series gets two major OS upgrades for older models, while newer ones are promised four updates. Select Galaxy A-series phones may receive up to four OS updates.
All Galaxy S-series, Tab S-series, and Z-series phones launched from the Galaxy S21, Galaxy Z Fold 3/Flip 3, and Galaxy Tab S8 series are eligible for four years of Android OS support.
Also Read: One UI 7 Eligible Devices and Release Date
Samsung's Software Update Policy
Samsung’s software update policies for Galaxy smartphones and tablets are generous. No other smartphone brand offers as many as four Android OS updates to mid-range devices like Samsung does. Many brands don’t even offer this many updates to their high-end devices.
One of the best aspects of Samsung is its clear software update policy. Users know what to expect, unlike brands such as Realme, Oppo, and Xiaomi, which often leave users uncertain about future updates until official lists are released, usually months after a new OS launch.
Samsung had the best software support until Google launched its Pixel 8 series with a staggering 7 years of OS updates. Samsung quickly caught up by offering the same support for its Galaxy S24 series.
What to Expect from Android 15 (One UI 7)?
If your Galaxy device is eligible for Android 15, you might wonder about the new features. Android 15 is still under development, but Google has announced several features, and many more have been discovered in beta builds, promising an exciting update.
Key Features in Android 15
Satellite Connectivity Support
Android 15 supports satellite connectivity, allowing you to send texts even without cell towers, as long as you have access to the open sky. This feature is not limited to emergency use but extends to SMS and preinstalled RCS apps.
Find My Phone Network
The Find My Phone feature gets a significant update. Android 15 phones can ping each other via Bluetooth, helping locate lost devices. Nearby Android devices can pick up Bluetooth signals from the broadcasting device and upload encrypted location details to Google’s servers.
Battery Health
Android 15 may introduce the “Battery Health” feature, indicating the remaining battery capacity, helping users decide when to replace their battery.
App Archiving
The app archiving feature lets you uninstall apps while keeping user data. Android 15 removes the restriction of archiving apps only through the Play Store, allowing any apps to be archived.
Partial Screen Sharing
This privacy-focused feature allows users to share and record a single app instead of the entire screen, preventing accidental exposure of sensitive apps.
Notification Cooldown
“Notification Cooldown” reduces the volume of successive notifications from the same app, preventing users from feeling overwhelmed.
Sensitive Notifications
This feature prevents malicious third-party apps from reading OTPs, protecting users from OTP frauds.
For a more detailed look at the new features coming in Android 15, check out our Android 15 section for the latest news and developments around the new OS.