These Samsung phones go from quarterly updates to semi-annual updates

Once in a while, Samsung adjusts its update policy for older Galaxy phones. These devices will then receive security updates less often and that policy will now also be applied to four Galaxy phones from 2019.

Samsung and security updates

Samsung phones are divided into monthly updates, quarterly updates and ‘other regular updates’. The latter category receives security updates on a periodic basis but is also subject to change. The latest high-end smartphones get a security update every month. The vast majority get one every quarter. The semi-annual cycle is the last stage before software support for a device is permanently discontinued. There are now four Galaxy phones in that cycle.

Fewer updates per year

These phones go from quarterly updates to semi-annual updates and the overview can be found below. The Galaxy devices are now also equipped with the last major version update, and can now count on two security updates per year, instead of four. According to Sammobile, this will probably also be the last year they receive security updates.

Samsung has previously android world indicated that they will support their smartphones with software updates for at least two years from the product introduction in the Netherlands and where possible longer: “However, this does not mean that we will stop supporting our devices after two years. We will continue to do so for as long as possible. For example, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge from 2016 received a software update in January 2020.”

Do you own one of these A-series Galaxy phones? Let us know in the comments below.