When shopping for a new phone during sale season, it is easy to be tempted by a bargain. But a low price often means the device is older and may be nearing the end of its software support. Without security updates and new OS versions, your data becomes vulnerable to newly discovered threats, and apps may stop working over time. Knowing the update expiration date of a phone is just as important as checking its specs.

Why updates matter

Smartphones handle sensitive information like banking, health records, work emails, and personal conversations. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals constantly look for. Once a manufacturer stops pushing patches, any newly discovered flaw remains unaddressed, putting your data at risk. Additionally, end-of-life phones no longer receive new Android or iOS features, and eventually apps drop support for older operating systems, leading to performance issues and limited functionality.

Samsung models nearing end of life

Samsung offers up to seven years of support for flagship models, but mid-range and budget devices get fewer years. Several Samsung phones will end support before the end of 2027:

• Samsung Galaxy A14 (launched May 2023) – Android updates ended May 2025, security updates end May 2027
• Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (launched March 2023) – Android updates end March 2027, security updates end May 2027
• Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra (launched February 2023) – Android updates end February 2027, security updates end February 2028
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4 (launched August 2022) – Android updates end August 2026, security updates end August 2027
• Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (launched April 2022) – Android updates ended April 2026, security updates end April 2027
• Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra (launched February 2022) – Android updates ended February 2026, security updates end February 2027
• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (launched January 2022) – Android updates ended January 2026, security updates end January 2027
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Flip3 (launched August 2021) – Android updates ended August 2025, security updates end August 2026

Google Pixel models nearing end of life

Google now offers seven years of OS and security updates for Pixel 8 and later, but older models receive five years. The following Pixel devices will reach end of life before the end of 2027:

• Google Pixel 7 Pro (launched October 2022) – EOL October 2027
• Google Pixel 7 (launched October 2022) – EOL October 2027
• Google Pixel 6a (launched July 2022) – EOL July 2027
• Google Pixel 6 Pro (launched October 2021) – EOL October 2026
• Google Pixel 6 (launched October 2021) – EOL October 2026

The Pixel 2 through 5 lineups have already stopped receiving updates.

Motorola models nearing end of life

Motorola traditionally provides only two to three years of security updates, with most models getting a single major Android upgrade. Newer devices now promise up to five years of security patches, but often without guaranteed Android OS upgrades. Motorola phones that will end support before 2028 include:

• Moto G (launched December 2024) – EOL December 2027
• Moto G Stylus 5G (launched May 2024) – EOL May 2027
• Motorola Edge 2024 (launched May 2024) – EOL May 2027
• Moto G Power 5G (launched May 2024) – EOL March 2027
• Moto G 5G (launched March 2024) – EOL March 2027
• Moto G Play (launched January 2024) – EOL January 2027
• Motorola Razr (launched September 2023) – EOL September 2027
• Motorola Razr+ (launched June 2023) – EOL June 2027
• Motorola Edge+ (launched May 2023) – EOL May 2027

Apple iPhones nearing end of life

Apple does not publish official end-of-life dates but classifies products as vintage or obsolete. iPhones typically receive iOS updates for five to seven years after launch. The upcoming iOS 27 will support the iPhone 11 series (released September 2019) and newer, but that is likely the final major update for those models. The iPhone 12 and 13 lineups should get a couple more years. Apple continues to issue security updates for older devices; even the iPhone 6s received a patch in May 2026. However, as Apple Intelligence features require newer hardware, support for older models may be dropped earlier in the future.

What to do if your phone is nearing end of support

If you already own one of these phones, avoid buying them new. For current users, keep apps updated, avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi, only install apps from official stores, and be cautious with links in messages. The best protection, however, is to upgrade to a newer model as soon as your budget allows. An unsupported phone is a liability, not just an inconvenience. Knowing where your device stands is one of the best steps you can take to protect your data. After all, the only thing worse than seeing that persistent "update available" notification is realizing it will never pop up again.

Source: Engadget News