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Here’s when Samsung will stop Galaxy S21 series updates – Android/One UI and patches
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 series was launched in the first quarter of 2021. During the launch, the devices were eligible for three Android/One UI updates and four years of security patches. Later, the company extended the support by one year, applicable on both OS and patches.
According to Samsung commitment, the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra will get major updates until 2024. However, the smartphones will have another additional year of security patch updates support on a biannual basis.
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This means, Samsung will continue to release new updates for the Galaxy S21 series until the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, the OS upgrades support for the S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra is scheduled to end with the release of Android 15 next year.
S21 SW Support
- Android upgrades until 2024 (Android 15)
- Security patches until the first quarter of 2025
Android 14 is coming soon!
One UI 6 Beta Program is live for Galaxy S23 series along with the Galaxy A54/A34. The new One UI skin brings Android 14 to Galaxy devices, as well as introduces a redesigned Quick Panel and AI-derived features for enhanced productivity and ease of access.
This year, the Galaxy S21 series will receive its third major OS upgrade in the form of Android 14. The devices were released with Android 11 out of the box and Samsung is committed to bringing up to four major Android/One UI upgrades to the lineup.
Samsung has just announced the Galaxy A16 5G smartphone. This phone is making waves of excitement among users as it is the first budget smartphone to promise six years of Android updates and security patches.
If you buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, you can expect software improvements until October 2030. For a phone priced under $200, this is a remarkable thing.
Now, not only Galaxy flagship users can enjoy the latest features and improvements as Samsung Galaxy A16 has been launched. 6 years of updates keep the Galaxy A16 phone secure and up-to-date with the latest features.
Most budget phones only get updates for one or two years, but Samsung is doing better by offering 6 years longer updates.
Talking about the specs, the Galaxy A16 5G features a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a sharp resolution of 2340 x 1080 FHD+, an octa-core Exynos 1330 processor with 4GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging.
Moreover, the smartphone includes a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. It also has a 13MP front camera for selfies.
If you’re thinking of buying a budget smartphone, the Galaxy A16 5G is a great choice.
Samsung launches Galaxy A16 5G with 90Hz OLED, 6X OS upgrades and more
Samsung and Nvidia reportedly completed the on-site inspection of the 5th-generation HBM3E. This is a significant development, but mass production still appears to be pending.
Digitimes reports that Samsung’s 5th-gen HBM3E cleared Nvidia’s on-site inspection. This inspection is viewed as a significant step forward, but mass production of the HBM is still pending.
Samsung and Nvidia continue to collaborate on the development of advanced memory technologies, which are crucial for applications in AI, gaming, and data centers.
Back in August, it was reported that Samsung’s HBM3E passed Nvidian’s tests for use in AI processors. It came as a big relief for Samsung as it has been struggling to compete with SK Hynix.
Recently, it was reported that Samsung’s chip decision is facing a slow pace of recovery growth. Despite the AI surge, the company is failing to grow faster amid intense competition.
Samsung’s One UI 8 must bring Android 16’s Advanced Protection features. Google is reportedly developing new Advanced Protection features that could debut in Android 16, which we want to arrive on Galaxy phones with One UI 8 update.
One UI 7 is based on Android 15, scheduled to enter Beta this year and Public early next year. Galaxy phones will get Android 16 update with One UI 8 update – only if Samsung keeps stuck to its current version strategy.
Google is working to develop Advanced Protection integration for Android 16. The program includes new settings and a new API that’ll allow apps to change their behavior depending on whether users have Advanced Protection enabled.
Android could add Samsung’s Auto Blocker-like features. The feature restricts apps to be installed on Galaxy phones from unauthorized sources. However, you can still sideload APKs by disabling the Auto Blocker from Privacy settings.
Android 16 could allow you to enroll in Advanced Protection through Settings. Once enrolled, you will have to keep your Google Account signed in, and the OS will not allow you to install apps from sources other than Play Store and Galaxy Store.
Mishaal discovered a new patch in the AOSP Gerrit, which refers to a “new Service for Android Advanced Protection Mode.” It will allow apps to see whether Advanced Protection is enabled on-device, and to adjust their behavior accordingly.
A comment on the patch from a Google engineer clarified that the service in question “allows users to enroll into ‘advanced protection’ via Settings, and for apps to check if the user is enrolled” using a new API.
When enabled, Android 16 could require additional authentication if you try to access certain content, like protected files or banking details. Details are unknown, but we expect to see the Advanced Protection added in the Android 16 version.