S24 Ultra 7 year updates clarification

[tera975]

Hi. I just need clarification on the 7 years of updates. I've had Samsung for years and never paid attention to ANY updates. I just went with the flow. However, ever since I caved and slapped down 1300.00 for a flagship phone, I am now more alert to these updates in the coming years. So with that said, does the 7 year window mean an update a year, an update every few years, what exactly does that mean and what should I expect? I plan on keeping this phone for awhile. Thanks ❤️ 

[tera975]

Just to be a little bit more clear. Are security patches considered an "update" and what is a security patch exactly? Thanks

[kmb1]

Security patch updates are not part of the 7 years of updates you are asking about. They are system updates (One UI 7, or 8, etc.). Also, if a UI update (such as the 6.1, and the 6.11 updates that came out last year) comes out, that is not counted toward the 7 yearly updates. Does that help you any?

[tera975]

REALLY? See, I did not know that, which is why I asked. I thought the security patches were considered one of the updates. I am so glad I asked this question. Thank you so much!😊

[kmb1]

You're very welcome. Have a great rest of the week!

[skibik]

The S24/S25 series phones include 7 years of OS and security updates. No searches specify that Samsung provides 7 upgrades of anything, it says 7 "years" of both. That includes One UI upgrades or revisions and security patches/updates. Your phone will receive updates until around the first part of 2031.

[tera975]

Thank ypu

[realaud]

Well since, in most cases, security patches are not pushed after the support period has ended I, for one, would consider patches as part of the updates.  But, updates and support are two different animals.  The fact that Samsung specified years - not yearly updates, to me, says it all.

[realaud]

It has been my take that the phones will be supported for 7 years with patches and updates (including security).  I don't think it necessarily means an update a year, but it could, as there is usually an Android version update a year.  When they first went to the 7 year support model, I believe the tech blogs were saying that they were committed to 7 Android versions.  However, as the phones age, I don't know how many have hardware that will be able to handle each new Android version.  There would be no point in Android dumbing down their versions for old hardware.

[tera975]

Got it. I was just curious, and yeah, I wouldn't expect 7 Android versions either😂. Tech is constantly changing. I remember on my other phones, I HATED seeing that ONE UI update on my screen because it felt like forever, and I needed to make a phone call. 😂 I HATED IT!! Now I am looking forward to it.🤪