Samsung’s update policy has evolved significantly in recent years, with its latest flagship smartphones now guaranteed up to seven years of Android OS upgrades and security patches.
However, this extended support was not always part of Samsung’s roadmap. As a result, the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra have now officially reached the end of their update lifecycle.
Launched in January 2021, the Galaxy S21 series debuted as Samsung’s premium smartphone lineup, offering top-tier performance, refined design, and advanced camera capabilities. At the time of release, Samsung committed to providing four major Android operating system updates and five years of security patches for these devices. As of early 2026, that five-year support window has officially closed.
This means Galaxy S21 users will no longer receive Android version upgrades, monthly or quarterly security patches, or system stability updates. While the devices will continue to function normally, the lack of security updates increases the risk of vulnerabilities over time. Apps may also gradually lose compatibility as developers optimize for newer Android versions.
For users still relying on the Galaxy S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra as their daily driver, this development may be a strong signal to start considering an upgrade. Samsung’s newer flagships offer longer software support, enhanced performance, improved cameras, and more advanced AI-driven features, making them more future-proof investments.
The Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra stand out as natural upgrade options. As part of Samsung’s current flagship lineup, these models benefit from extended software support and premium hardware. Additionally, with the launch of their successors expected in the coming weeks, prices on the Galaxy S25 series are likely to drop, making them even more appealing to buyers.
Samsung’s decision to end updates for the Galaxy S21 series follows its original commitment and highlights how far the company has come in improving long-term device support. While it marks the end of an era for the S21 lineup, it also reinforces the value of upgrading to newer Galaxy devices with longer update guarantees and stronger security protection.