In a significant pivot, Samsung has now declared that the Galaxy S21 family-the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra-would not receive monthly software updates. This announcement follows the fact that these devices, launched in January 2021, were honored with four years of monthly updates. Now, beginning in 2025, these models are going to be transitioned to receive updates on a quarterly security update. Although the change may feel sudden to customers, it actually hints at Samsung’s new strategy regarding the lifecycles of its older devices.
Quarterly Update Shift
Beginning in Q1 2025, the Galaxy S21 series will switch to quarterly security updates instead of monthly patches combined with various security fixes and improvements to One UI.
The decision for shift to quarterly updates for the Galaxy S21 series that have been enjoying monthly patches along with security updates and general improvements to One UI is that the series will get its security updates once in every three months starting in 2025. Such quarterly updates are going to be available for all models under the S21 lineup that includes the S21 Ultra, S21+, and S21, but these will not be applicable for the Galaxy S21 FE. This will still enjoy regular monthly updates since it was released practically one year later than the other models.
The coming changes would mean that the S21 group users would, after the January update in 2025, receive updates every three months. The very first of these is likely to be nearer and coincide with the final major Android update rollout for the S21 series-Android 15.
Android 15: The Last Major Update for Galaxy S21
Android 15 will be the biggest update coming to the Galaxy S21 series, as this will be the last major operating system update that will ever run on the devices. The S21 will then continue to receive security patches for at least one year post Android 15 because, for Samsung, timely software updates are a matter of keeping its end of the deal.
It implies that the devices have better longevity than ever.
For the longevity of a device, moving toward a quarterly-update schedule may signal the end of the road for many users used to their rapid-fire pace in the past. Android 15, however, promises an entirely new experience for the S21 series, packed with features and improvements, before the eventual end of software support in 2026.
End of the Road for Some Galaxy Models As an extended strategy, Samsung is also ending software support for other devices launched somewhere around 2020. Models like the Galaxy S20 series and Galaxy A02s will go out of software support in 2025. With respect to that, it represents a big milestone in terms of those devices’ lifecycles, meaning they will not have any more security patches or major OS updates delivered after this year.
In light of this, users of the Galaxy S21 and similar devices ought to consider an upgrade to a more modern phone. The newer phones from Samsung, such as the Galaxy S25 series, promise OS updates for seven years, which means extended software support for users after grabbing the latest features.
Why Upgrade Now?
Because the Galaxy S25 series was launched in February 2025, this is the best time for Galaxy S21 users to contemplate an upgrade. The Galaxy S25 series adopts drastic design and performance enhancements compared to its predecessor. It is designed with a gentle touch: its corners are rounded for comfort while handling the device. Also, the new series caters to seven years of OS and security updates, which is an attractive long-lasting investment for those who hope for something future-proof.
The S25 Ultra is a very enticing upgrade for those who want to keep abreast of new tech and enjoy long support while maintaining the S21 Ultra’s flagship features.
Conclusion: A Time for Change
With the Galaxy S21 series moving to a quarterly cadence, this appears to be the natural step in the lifecycle progress of Samsung phones. While this harks the end for monthly updates per se, important updates, especially the last major Android OS upgrade, Android 15, will be made available for the S21 series. Further, with newer models being simultaneously launched while carrying forward a longer timeline for software support, users may want to weigh their options and consider an upgrade to enjoy cutting-edge features along with sustained software support. The Galaxy S25 series could just be the right option for long-term users willing to enjoy a myriad of advancements backed by seven years of software support.
