[Updated] Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 firmware support downgraded

Update: It turns out that there was a mix-up. But there's good news.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are not yet at the end of support. More accurately, with the September security patch release, Samsung moved the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to Z Flip 3 from the monthly release schedule to quarterly updates.

Original story follows.

As Samsung foldable phone fans celebrate the successful release of the 7th-generation Fold and Flip phones, two older models that were starting to show their age have been quietly retired. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are no longer eligible for new firmware updates.

The two foldable phones, released in August 2021, have been removed from Samsung's list of devices that are supported with new firmware versions. Officially, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 have reached end-of-life from a software point of view. But, of course, not all is lost for foldable phone fans. Far from it.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 may receive new security patches if absolutely necessary, but neither is on a consistent update schedule as of this month.

The two foldable flagships went live in 2021 with Android 11 out of the box and a promise of four major OS upgrades. Both phones received Android 15 and One UI 7 earlier this year as their last major release.

As of this month — September 2025 — the Fold 3 and Flip 3 are no longer supported with security patches. The only exception is if Samsung finds critical vulnerabilities that must be addressed.

As you might recall, in 2022, Samsung rolled out a security patch for millions of very old Galaxy phones to address a security flaw.

Time sure flies, and you may feel like it was only yesterday when you bought your Galaxy Z Flip 3 or Fold 3. But it's been several years since these phones debuted, and now, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 are setting a new standard in the foldable segment.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 promise seven OS upgrades. And fortunately, if you are considering an upgrade to one of the 2025 models, Samsung's trade-in program — where available — lets you save some cash if you exchange your Z Flip 3 and Fold 3.

The trade-in values above correspond to the US market and are not set in stone. Trade-in discounts change over time as the value of older devices decreases. If you are thinking of an upgrade, it's best to check your local Samsung e-shop to see what the company has in store for you.