Samsung has officially announced that the Galaxy S24 series will receive Android and One UI updates for 7 years, making it one of the smartphone manufacturers with the longest software support in the industry. This initiative is expected to extend to future flagship models, offering extended support to a wide range of users.
Samsung’s New Policy: 7 Years of Long-Term Support
With this new policy, Samsung is positioning itself as the best choice for users who require long-term software support. The updates will focus on OS upgrades, new features, and security patches, all provided for 7 years. This long-term approach aims to extend the lifespan of smartphones, allowing users to enjoy the latest features and security without the need for frequent device replacements, which also offers environmental benefits.
The strategy is part of Samsung’s broader effort to enhance competitiveness and distinguish itself from other manufacturers in the market. With this, Samsung is showing strong leadership in the Android device market, offering more extensive support than many competitors.
List of Eligible Devices and Future Plans
The 7-year update policy will initially apply to the Galaxy S24 series, including the Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, and S24 FE models. Foldable smartphones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, as well as tablets like the Galaxy Tab S10+ and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, are also included.
Currently, the list of supported devices is limited, but it is expected that future flagship models will also receive the same level of long-term support. Samsung plans to regularly update this list, and users can check for additional information as it becomes available. There is also potential for this policy to expand to mid-range devices, though no official announcement has been made at this time.
Comparison with Pixel Series: Samsung’s Strengths
While Google’s Pixel series also offers 7 years of software updates, Samsung’s Galaxy lineup benefits from a much larger market share. This means more users will receive the benefits of long-term updates. Additionally, Samsung’s diverse hardware lineup, from flagship to mid-range and low-end models, ensures that a wide range of user needs are met.
Samsung’s market presence and hardware diversity give it a significant advantage over the Pixel series, which is primarily targeted at high-end users. As a result, Samsung’s long-term software support is expected to be more impactful across a broader range of users.
Potential Expansion to Mid-Range Devices
Although the 7-year update policy currently applies only to flagship models, there is potential for it to expand to mid-range devices. Samsung’s mid-range smartphones offer a balanced combination of performance and price, making them attractive options for many users.
If Samsung extends this long-term software support to mid-range devices, even more users will be able to enjoy the benefits of reliable updates over an extended period. As mid-range devices are often the most accessible in terms of pricing, this could have a significant impact on the market as a whole.
However, no official statement has been made by Samsung regarding this expansion. Users are eagerly anticipating further announcements, as this move could further enhance Samsung’s brand image and strengthen its competitive edge in the global market.