Samsung ends software support for Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3
The 2021 foldable flagships have reached the end of their five-year security update cycle.
Samsung has officially terminated all software and security updates for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. The move marks the formal conclusion of the support lifecycle for the company's 2021 foldable flagship series.
According to reports from SamMobile and Android Central, Samsung has removed both models from its official security updates page. The devices have completed a support window that included four years of major operating system upgrades, concluding with Android 15, and a total of five years of security patches.
The evolution of foldable support
Launched in 2021, the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 debuted with Android 11 and One UI 3. At the time of their release, they were governed by Samsung's previous support framework, which capped security updates at five years. This policy was the industry standard for high-end Android devices for several years, ensuring that hardware remained viable and protected long after the initial purchase.
However, the landscape of smartphone longevity has shifted. In 2024, Samsung introduced a more aggressive support policy for its latest hardware, such as the Galaxy S24 series. Newer flagship devices are now promised seven years of software support, a significant increase from the five-year window that applied to the 2021 foldables.
Security implications for users
The cessation of updates creates a critical inflection point for current owners of the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. Without regular security patches, these devices are now increasingly vulnerable to new exploits and malware that emerge after the final update. While the hardware may remain functional, the lack of software hardening means that sensitive data and system integrity are no longer protected by Samsung's official security pipeline.
This transition underscores a broader trend in the mobile industry toward extended device lifespans. By moving from five to seven years of support, Samsung is encouraging users to hold onto their hardware longer, reducing electronic waste and increasing the long-term value proposition of its premium devices.
What to watch
As these 2021 models exit the support cycle, users must now decide whether to continue using the devices at their own risk or migrate to newer hardware. While the devices will continue to run their current version of Android 15, they will not receive any further feature enhancements or critical vulnerability fixes. Industry analysts will be watching to see if this prompt sunsetting of the 2021 series accelerates the adoption of the newer, seven-year-supported foldable generations.