Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra software update policy explained

With the launch of the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung is continuing one of the most significant commitments it has made to flagship buyers in recent years: long-term software support.

Like the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 lineups, the Galaxy S26 series is eligible for seven generations of Android OS upgrades. That means seven major Android version updates, along with seven years of security patches. On top of that, Samsung will roll out multiple One UI updates—both major and minor—in between.

If you buy a Galaxy S26, S26+, or S26 Ultra, it will be supported with updates well into the next decade, through 2033. That’s a very long lifespan for a smartphone, and far more than what most Android phones offered just a few years ago.

Samsung first introduced this seven-year update policy with the Galaxy S24 series. At the time, it set a new standard for flagship Android phones. The only other manufacturer offering a similar level of support is Google. Others are still playing catch-up.

Long-term updates aren't just good for buyers. They are also good for the environment. When phones stay secure and up to date for many years, people don’t feel the need to upgrade as often, which means fewer devices are thrown away and become e-waste. It’s one of the key ways Samsung is contributing to sustainability efforts.

The Galaxy S26 series is the first to run One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, out of the box.