Samsung ended software support for the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra this month, completing five years of promised updates.
The phones launched in January 2021 with commitments for four major Android upgrades. Samsung later extended security patch support to five years, meeting that extended commitment.
The Galaxy S21 FE continues to receive updates, making it the only S21 series device still supported. Samsung's security update listings no longer include the S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra for monthly or quarterly updates, according to company support pages.
The S21 FE's extended support stems from its delayed launch. While most Fan Edition models arrive six months after their flagship counterparts, the S21 FE launched nearly a year after the original S21 trio.
This timing difference gave the device a longer software lifecycle.
Samsung's four-OS-upgrade promise stretched further for the S21 FE because it started on newer software. The device is the only S21 series phone to receive One UI 8 based on Android 16, and it will continue getting security updates for another year.
The S21 FE is also likely to receive One UI 8.5 as its final feature update. This update brings a refreshed interface across system elements and Samsung's proprietary apps, though it remains based on Android 16.
Samsung dropped the Galaxy S21 series to quarterly updates in 2025, typically indicating one year of remaining support. The company met its five-year commitment, with final updates arriving in January 2026 for some carriers.
Newer Samsung flagships now receive seven years of software support, a policy that started in January 2024. The S21 series predates this extended support cycle, which explains its earlier end-of-life date.
The S21 FE's unique position highlights how launch timing affects device longevity. What began as a production delay transformed into a long-term advantage for owners of the budget-friendly model.
Samsung may still issue critical security updates for the discontinued S21 models if severe vulnerabilities emerge. However, routine monthly and quarterly updates have concluded for the flagship trio.
The S22 series has moved to quarterly updates, positioning it as the next device family to reach end-of-support. Samsung's update policies continue evolving as the company extends support timelines and introduces new features across its product lineup.
