Samsung Ends Security Updates for Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy A02s, and Galaxy A12

Samsung Ends Security Updates for Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy A02s, and Galaxy A12Tech media outlet SammyGuru reported that Samsung Electronics has discontinued security updates for three smartphone models: the Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy A02s, and Galaxy A12. This means these devices will no longer receive security patches from January 2025 onwards

Samsung Ends Security Updates for Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy A02s, and Galaxy A12

Tech media outlet SammyGuru reported that Samsung Electronics has discontinued security updates for three smartphone models: the Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy A02s, and Galaxy A12. This means these devices will no longer receive security patches from January 2025 onwards. The news, published in a SammyGuru blog post on January 7th, has raised concerns among users about the security of their devices.

The Galaxy Z Fold2, Samsung's first truly successful foldable phone, launched in August 2020 and officially went on sale in September, also launching in China as the W21 5G in November of the same year. Initially, it promised three years of Android OS updates and four years of security patches. This implied that, starting with Android 10, the Galaxy Z Fold2 should have been updated to Android 11, Android 12, and Android 13, along with receiving security updates until 2024. However, Samsung's decision prematurely terminates this commitment.

The other two affected models, the Galaxy A02s and Galaxy A12, are entry-level phones released by Samsung in late 2020, also running on Android 10. Like the Galaxy Z Fold2, they were also expected to receive four years of security patch support. However, Samsung has removed them from its security update list, leaving these devices vulnerable to emerging software vulnerabilities and malware threats without the latest security patches.

While Samsung hasn't officially explained the reasons behind this decision, industry insiders speculate that it might be related to cost, resource allocation, and the complexity of software maintenance. Providing long-term software and security updates for numerous devices requires significant R&D resources and manpower. Maintaining older models becomes increasingly costly over time, potentially impacting consumers through increased prices or affecting company profits. Therefore, some manufacturers may choose to discontinue support for older models to focus resources on newer devices.

For users still using the Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy A02s, and Galaxy A12, Samsung's cessation of security updates is undoubtedly worrying. The lack of updates exposes these devices to increased security risks and makes them more vulnerable to malware attacks, potentially leading to data breaches and privacy violations. Users are advised to take immediate precautions, such as upgrading to newer, more secure devices, or implementing additional security measures like using strong passwords, carefully selecting apps, and avoiding untrusted websites.

Although Samsung hasn't provided a detailed explanation, this move has sparked a discussion within the industry regarding the promises made by phone manufacturers about security updates. Many consumers consider the duration of security updates a key factor when purchasing a phone, making manufacturers' commitments an important part of their purchasing decisions. Samsung's premature termination of security updates could damage consumer trust and negatively impact its brand reputation. This also serves as a reminder to other manufacturers to carefully consider the feasibility and importance of long-term security update policies and ensure they can fulfill their commitments to consumers. Consistent and long-term security updates are vital for protecting users' devices and data, and for maintaining brand credibility.

This situation underscores the importance of mobile device security updates. Users should regularly check for and install the latest security patches to protect their devices and data. Choosing manufacturers with a strong track record of security updates is also crucial for mitigating security risks. When purchasing a phone, consumers should consider the manufacturer's security update policy alongside specifications and price, opting for devices with long-term support. Only then can personal information be adequately protected, avoiding unnecessary losses. Samsung's decision to end security updates for these three models serves as a wake-up call for all users.