Samsung Ends Software Support for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3

Introduction

Samsung has officially announced the end of software support for its 2021 flagship foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. While the devices will continue to operate, they will no longer receive security patches, bug‑fix updates, or new Android features from the company. This development is especially noteworthy for owners who invested in Samsung’s early foldable technology, as it marks the final chapter of the devices’ lifecycle and raises questions about security, performance, and future upgrade paths.

What Happened

Earlier this week Samsung removed the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 from its publicly maintained software support list. The company’s support page now only lists newer models, confirming that the two 2021 devices have reached the end of their update window. The announcement was brief, but the implication is clear: Samsung will no longer push any further Android version upgrades, security bulletins, or stability patches to these phones.

The decision aligns with Samsung’s typical support cadence for flagship devices, which generally includes three years of major Android upgrades and four years of security updates. Both the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 have now exceeded that timeframe, having launched with Android 11 and received updates through Android 13 and several security patches. With the support window closed, the devices will remain functional but will not benefit from the ongoing protection that newer software provides.

For many users, the news is a disappointment. The foldable line was marketed as a long‑term investment in cutting‑edge design, and the cessation of updates may feel like an abrupt end to that promise. Nonetheless, ending support for older hardware is a standard industry practice, especially as manufacturers shift resources toward newer models and emerging technologies.

Key Details

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 were originally promised three years of major Android upgrades and four years of security updates. They launched with Android 11, received Android 12 in early 2022, and were upgraded to Android 13 later that year. Security updates continued through the first quarter of 2024, after which Samsung stopped publishing new patches for the devices.

Without further updates, owners may notice a gradual decline in app compatibility, as developers increasingly target newer Android APIs. Battery optimization may also suffer, since the latest power‑management tweaks are delivered through system updates. Moreover, the lack of security patches leaves the devices exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities, which could be exploited by malicious apps or phishing attacks.

Samsung’s official support page now lists the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, and the newer Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 as the only foldables receiving ongoing updates. The omission of the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 from that list serves as the definitive confirmation of their support termination.

Background

Samsung’s software support policy has evolved over the past decade. Early Android devices often received only a year or two of updates, but the company has since extended its commitment to match or exceed competitors. For flagship phones, Samsung now pledges up to four years of security updates and three major Android version upgrades, a timeline that the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 have fully utilized.

The foldable market itself is still in its infancy. Samsung pioneered the segment with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, and each subsequent generation has brought refinements in hinge durability, screen protection, and software integration. As the technology matures, Samsung is focusing its development resources on newer models that incorporate the latest hardware innovations, such as under‑display cameras and more robust folding mechanisms.

Why It Matters

Security is the most immediate concern. Devices that no longer receive patches become soft targets for malware, ransomware, and other exploits that emerge after the final update. Users who continue to rely on the Z Fold 3 or Z Flip 3 for sensitive tasks—such as mobile banking, corporate email, or personal data storage—risk exposing themselves to threats that could have been mitigated with timely updates.

Beyond security, the end of support can affect the overall user experience. New app releases often leverage the latest Android APIs, and older operating systems may encounter compatibility issues, leading to crashes or reduced functionality. Battery life may also degrade over time without the benefit of system‑level optimizations that are typically delivered through software updates.

What Happens Next

Owners of the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 have a few practical options. The most straightforward path is to upgrade to a newer foldable, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, or the latest Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, all of which continue to receive full software support. Samsung frequently offers trade‑in incentives, making the transition more affordable for existing customers.

For users who wish to keep their current devices, adopting additional security measures is essential. Installing reputable mobile security apps, limiting app installations to trusted sources, and regularly backing up data can mitigate some risks. Users should also be prepared for the possibility that certain apps may eventually stop working on the older OS version.

Conclusion

Samsung’s decision to end software support for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 is a natural conclusion to the devices’ planned lifecycle, but it carries tangible consequences for owners. While the phones will continue to function, the lack of security patches and future Android upgrades makes them increasingly vulnerable and potentially less compatible with emerging apps. Users should weigh the risks of staying on an unsupported platform against the cost of upgrading to a newer, fully supported foldable. In a rapidly evolving mobile landscape, staying current with software updates remains one of the most effective ways to protect personal data and ensure a smooth user experience.