That smartphone you bought two or three years ago might be closer to obsolescence than you think. For several popular models from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, the clock is ticking on guaranteed software and security updates. If you own one of these devices, 2025 could be the year your phone stops getting the protection and features it needs.
Which Popular Smartphones Are Affected?
The devices most at risk are those launched between 2021 and 2022, when most manufacturers offered three to four years of OS upgrades and four to five years of security patches. Key models include:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 series (launched January 2021): Samsung promised four years of security updates, meaning support ends in early 2025.
- Samsung Galaxy A52 / A53 (2021–2022): Mid-range models with similar four-year security timelines.
- Google Pixel 6 series (launched October 2021): Google guaranteed three years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches. The OS upgrades end in 2024, but security support continues until 2026.
- OnePlus 9 series (launched March 2021): OnePlus promised three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. OS updates end in 2024, with security support ending in 2025.
- OnePlus Nord 2 (2021): Similar timeline to the OnePlus 9 series.
Why This Matters for Your Daily Life
When software support ends, your phone becomes more vulnerable to malware, hacking, and data theft. Without security patches, any newly discovered vulnerability in the Android operating system remains unpatched. You also miss out on new features, performance improvements, and app compatibility updates. For many users, this means it's time to consider an upgrade — or accept the risks of using an unsupported device.
The Shift in Manufacturer Policies
It wasn't always this way. Until recently, Google and Samsung updated smartphone software for only three years. That has changed dramatically. The Google Pixel 8 series now offers seven years of updates, while Samsung's Galaxy S24 series promises six years of OS upgrades and seven years of security patches. However, older models — including the popular ones listed above — were sold under the old, shorter policies. This creates a gap: users who bought a flagship phone in 2021 are now facing the end of support, while newer buyers enjoy much longer coverage.
Who Is Affected Most?
Budget-conscious users, students, and those who bought a flagship phone in 2021 expecting it to last several more years are the most affected. Many people keep their phones for three to four years, so the end of support arrives just as they might be planning to hold onto the device longer. For users in India, where mid-range and older flagship models are popular, this is a significant concern.
What Manufacturers Say
Google and Samsung have acknowledged the shift in policy. Google's official support page states that Pixel devices receive updates for a set period from their original release date. Samsung's Knox security platform provides some additional protection, but the company advises users to upgrade to newer models for continued security. OnePlus has similarly updated its policy for newer devices but maintains the original timelines for older models.
What Happens After Support Ends?
After the final update, your phone will continue to work for basic tasks — calls, messaging, browsing — but it will no longer receive security patches. This means any new vulnerability discovered in Android or the device's firmware will remain unaddressed. Over time, apps may stop supporting the older OS version, and performance may degrade. For sensitive activities like banking or online shopping, the risk increases significantly.
Confirmed Facts vs What Remains Unclear
Confirmed: Samsung Galaxy S21 series security updates end in early 2025. Google Pixel 6 OS updates ended in 2024, but security patches continue until 2026. OnePlus 9 series OS updates ended in 2024, with security support ending in 2025.
Unclear: Exact end dates for some regional variants (e.g., Indian models may have slightly different timelines). Whether manufacturers will extend support for any of these models remains speculation. No official announcements have been made about extensions for older devices.
Risks and Balanced View
While the end of support is a real concern, it doesn't mean your phone becomes unusable overnight. Many users continue using older devices for years after support ends, especially for basic tasks. However, security experts strongly advise against using unsupported devices for sensitive activities. The risk is real but manageable with precautions: avoid sideloading apps, use a reputable antivirus, and consider a custom ROM if you're technically inclined. The trade-off is convenience vs. security.
The Broader Trend: Planned Obsolescence or Progress?
The shift to longer update policies for newer models is a positive development for consumers. But it also highlights a pattern: manufacturers are using update length as a selling point, while older models are left behind. This creates a two-tier system where only those who can afford the latest devices benefit from extended support. For the second-hand market and budget buyers, this is a growing concern.
What Should You Do Now?
If you own one of the affected models, start planning. Check your device's exact update end date in Settings > About Phone > Software Information or on the manufacturer's support page. If you're within the support window, ensure you install all available updates. If support has ended or is ending soon, consider upgrading to a newer model with longer support — like the Pixel 8 series or Galaxy S24 series. If upgrading isn't an option, take extra security precautions: avoid unknown apps, use a VPN, keep all other apps updated, and consider using a dedicated device for sensitive tasks.
What Could Happen Next
Industry watchers expect manufacturers to continue extending update policies for flagship models, possibly reaching 7–8 years for top-tier devices. Mid-range and budget phones may also see longer support as competition intensifies. However, older models already sold will not benefit from these changes. For now, the best advice is to check your phone's update status and plan accordingly.
Our Take
The end of software support for popular smartphones is a reminder that even premium devices have a finite lifespan. While the industry is moving in the right direction with longer support for newer models, millions of users with older devices are left in a vulnerable position. The key takeaway: when buying a smartphone, consider the update policy as seriously as the camera or processor. A phone that stops receiving security patches after three years is not a long-term investment — it's a ticking clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check when my phone's software support ends?
Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information on your device. You can also visit the manufacturer's support page and enter your model number. For Samsung, check the Security Update Policy page. For Google Pixel, visit the Pixel Update Support page.
Can I still use my phone after software support ends?
Yes, your phone will still work for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and browsing. However, it will no longer receive security patches, making it more vulnerable to malware and hacking. Avoid using it for banking or sensitive activities.
Will my apps stop working after support ends?
Not immediately, but over time, app developers may stop supporting older Android versions. You may eventually be unable to install or update certain apps. This typically happens 1–2 years after the OS version becomes outdated.
Is it safe to buy a used phone that is near the end of support?
Only if you are aware of the risks and plan to use it for non-sensitive tasks. For a primary device, it's better to buy a newer model with longer remaining support. Always check the original release date and update policy before purchasing a used phone.
