These Popular Smartphones Are in Their Last Year of Software Support

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Shopping for a smartphone on sale can feel like a win, but that bargain phone might come with an expiration date. Many popular models from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Apple are entering their final year of software support — meaning they’ll soon stop receiving critical security patches and OS updates.

Why Software Updates Matter

Your smartphone likely handles banking, health data, work emails, and personal conversations. When those system update notifications stop appearing, it signals a real problem. Once a manufacturer ends support, newly discovered security vulnerabilities go unpatched, potentially exposing your sensitive data to cybercriminals.

According to a report from Engadget, end-of-life phones don’t stop working — but they stop receiving security patches. Unsupported devices also miss new OS features, and apps eventually drop support for older OS versions, leaving you unable to use key tools.

Samsung Models Nearing End of Life

Samsung’s support varies by tier: flagship Galaxy models get up to seven years of updates, mid-range phones get five to six, and budget devices get four. Key models approaching end-of-life include the Galaxy S23 series (Android updates end Feb 2027), Galaxy Z Fold4/Flip4 (security updates end Aug 2027), Galaxy S22 series (updates ended Feb 2026), Galaxy A54 5G (security updates end May 2027), and Galaxy A14 (security updates end May 2027).

Google Pixel Models Nearing End of Life

Google’s Pixel 8 and later get seven years of updates, but older models received just five years. Nearing end-of-life are the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro (EOL Oct 2027), Pixel 6a (EOL Jul 2027), and Pixel 6 and 6 Pro (EOL Oct 2026). The Pixel 2 through 5 lineups are already unsupported.

Motorola Models Nearing End of Life

Motorola offers more limited support — typically 2-3 years of security updates. The European Union has pushed for longer commitments, but Motorola often doesn’t promise Android OS updates alongside security patches. Models nearing end-of-life include the Moto G (Dec 2027), Moto G Stylus 5G (May 2027), Motorola Edge 2024 (May 2027), and Motorola Razr and Razr+ (Sep/Jun 2027).

Apple iPhones Approaching End of Life

Apple uses “vintage” and “obsolete” classifications instead of publishing end-of-life dates. iPhones typically receive iOS updates for 5-7 years. iOS 27, arriving this fall, will reportedly run on phones as old as the iPhone 11 (2019). The iPhone SE (2020), iPhone 11 series will likely get their final update with iOS 27. Notably, Apple Intelligence features are only supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and later, which may accelerate drop-offs for older models. However, Apple continues sending security patches: in May 2026, it updated iOS 15 through iOS 18, covering models as old as the iPhone 6s.

What to Do If Your Phone Is Nearing End of Support

If you own one of these phones, keep apps updated for as long as possible, avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi, only install apps from official stores, be cautious with links, and upgrade to a newer model when your budget allows. An unsupported phone is a security liability. Knowing where your device stands is one of the best steps you can take to protect your data.