Does end-of-support mean my phone will stop working?

No — your phone will continue to function normally. However, it will no longer receive security patches or OS updates, which makes it increasingly vulnerable to hacking and security exploits over time.

What's the difference between Apple's "Vintage" and "Obsolete" classifications?

Both categories signal the approaching end of support, but there's a key distinction. Vintage devices may still receive limited repairs and occasional security updates, while Obsolete devices receive absolutely nothing — no updates, no fixes, no support of any kind

Have all mid-range Samsung phones in the A series lost support?

Not all of them. The devices that have reached end-of-support are those released between 2021 and 2022 across the A, M, and F series. Newer models continue to receive updates. To be certain, look up your specific model on Samsung's official support page.

If my phone is no longer supported, do I need to replace it immediately?

Not necessarily right away — but if you're using it for sensitive tasks like mobile banking or storing important personal data, it's best to start planning an upgrade sooner rather than later. For casual everyday use, the risk is lower, but it doesn't disappear entirely.

How can I find out when my phone's support will end?

Every manufacturer maintains an official support policy page. Samsung publishes its Security Updates schedule on its website, Apple maintains its Vintage and Obsolete device lists, and Google specifies support end dates for each Pixel model at launch. Simply visit your manufacturer's official website and search by your phone's model name or number.

List of phones that will lose operating system updates in 2026

Phones Losing OS Updates in 2026: The Complete List

As 2026 unfolds, a long list of smartphones is officially exiting the support cycle — at a time when more users than ever are holding onto their devices longer amid a global slowdown in upgrade rates. According to a SlashGear report, the end of official support — whether OS updates or security patches — puts user data at increasing risk, as devices that no longer receive security updates become far more vulnerable to cyberattacks and vulnerability exploits.

If your phone is on the list below, it may be time to seriously consider upgrading.

Samsung — A Long List of Losses

Samsung leads the pack when it comes to devices losing support this year. The foldable Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are approaching end-of-life, having already moved to quarterly security update schedules, and are expected to be dropped entirely from the update roster by August 2026.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series officially exited the update cycle in late 2025. With security patches now halted, owners are advised to consider upgrading — especially given that Samsung discontinued the Note line in favor of the Galaxy S Ultra lineup.

A large number of Samsung's mid-range and budget devices released between 2021 and 2022 — spanning the A, M, and F series — have also reached end-of-support. Some stopped at Android 13, while a limited few received Android 14, but virtually all have now been removed from the security update schedule in 2026. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, released in 2022, is a notable exception and continues to receive a relatively extended support window.

Apple — Three Stages Before the Final Goodbye

Apple manages its device lifecycle through a precise three-tier classification system. The iPhone SE has entered "Obsolete" status, meaning all updates and repairs have ceased entirely. According to Apple's policy, devices pass through three stages: Supported, then Vintage, then Obsolete — and once a device reaches that final stage, all support ends permanently.

Devices such as the iPhone 8, iPhone XS, and iPhone 11 Pro have transitioned to "Vintage" status, meaning limited repairs and occasional security updates may still be available, but full support has effectively ended.

Reports indicate that 2026 is expected to mark the official end of support for the iPhone 12 series — continuing Apple's consistent annual update cycle that has held steady for over a decade.

Google Pixel — A Date Set in Stone

Google Pixel 6 devices will complete their five-year support commitment in October 2026 — the maximum the company pledged at launch. The Pixel 6a receives a slight extension of roughly one additional year, given its 2022 release date.

Motorola, OnePlus, and LG

Several Motorola devices released between 2022 and 2024 have lost or will lose support during 2026, particularly across the Moto G, Edge, and Razr lines. Users are advised to check the official support page for their specific model.

The OnePlus 9 series has fully exited support, while the OnePlus 10 Pro received an additional update to Android 16, with security updates expected to continue through approximately 2027.

Following LG's exit from the smartphone market in 2021, the company continued supporting its devices for a few years before permanently halting updates in 2025 — meaning no LG phone currently receives any official support.

Why Should You Care?

The end of security updates doesn't just mean missing out on new features — it means your phone becomes an easy target for hackers. Continuing to use an unsupported device, especially for banking or storing sensitive data, carries significant risk. Upgrading is no longer a luxury for the sake of new features; it's a necessary step to protect your data.

If your phone is on this list, check the manufacturer's official support page for the exact end-of-support date — and start planning your upgrade before it's too late.