Samsung Promises Six Years of Software Support for Galaxy A56, A36, and A26

KKN Gurugram Desk | Samsung has officially announced six years of software support for its upcoming Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 smartphones. This commitment includes six major Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates, ensuring users get long-term software reliability and security enhancements.

This move aligns Samsung’s mid-range A-series with its flagship Galaxy S24 lineup, which also benefits from an extended software update policy.

Samsung’s Long-Term Software Support Strategy

Samsung has been a leader in smartphone software updates, and this latest decision reinforces its dedication to enhancing user experience and device longevity. With the six-year software policy, Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 users can expect:

✔ Six Android OS Upgrades – Ensuring access to the latest features and performance enhancements.
✔ Six Years of Security Updates – Providing protection against vulnerabilities and cyber threats.
✔ Improved Longevity – Extending the usability of mid-range smartphones, reducing e-waste.

This update strategy makes Samsung’s Galaxy A-series one of the longest-supported mid-range smartphone lineups in the market.

How Samsung’s Software Support Compares to Other Brands?

Samsung’s decision to offer six years of updates for its A-series sets a new industry benchmark for mid-range smartphones.

Comparison with Other Smartphone Brands

Brand	OS Updates	Security Updates	Applies to
Samsung (Galaxy A56, A36, A26)	6 years	6 years	Mid-range phones
Apple (iPhone models)	5-6 years	5-6 years	All iPhones
Google (Pixel 8 series)	7 years	7 years	Flagship models
OnePlus (Nord series)	3 years	4 years	Mid-range phones
Xiaomi (Redmi series)	2-3 years	3-4 years	Mid-range phones

Samsung is now competing directly with Apple and Google in terms of software support, making the Galaxy A-series an excellent choice for users seeking long-term usability in an affordable price range.

What This Means for Galaxy A-Series Users?

With six years of Android OS updates, users purchasing a Galaxy A56, A36, or A26 in 2025 will be able to upgrade their devices up to Android 21 by 2031.

Key Benefits for Users:

✔ Longer Device Lifespan – Users won’t need to upgrade their smartphones frequently.
✔ Latest Features & UI Enhancements – Access to Samsung’s latest One UI versions for six years.
✔ Stronger Security – Regular security patches keep devices safe from evolving cyber threats.
✔ Better Resale Value – Phones with longer software support tend to hold their value over time.

Samsung’s policy ensures that even mid-range users get flagship-like software support.

Samsung’s Focus on Sustainable and Future-Proof Smartphones

Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support is also a step towards sustainability. Extending device lifespans reduces electronic waste (e-waste) and encourages users to hold onto their phones longer.

Sustainability Benefits:

✔ Less Electronic Waste – Fewer devices discarded annually.
✔ Eco-Friendly Approach – Encouraging users to upgrade software instead of buying new phones.
✔ Cost Savings for Consumers – Longer software support reduces the need for frequent device upgrades.

Samsung is gradually moving towards a future-proof smartphone ecosystem that balances performance, longevity, and sustainability.

Will Samsung Extend This Support to More Mid-Range Phones?

Currently, Samsung has announced this six-year software update policy only for the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26. However, if this strategy proves successful, the company might extend it to:

✔ Other Galaxy A-series models such as A74 and A54.
✔ Select Galaxy M-series smartphones.
✔ Entry-level devices like Galaxy F and Galaxy M1X series.

If Samsung expands this update policy, it could redefine expectations for software support in the mid-range and budget smartphone segments.

Samsung’s Software Update vs. Apple’s iOS Support

One of Samsung’s biggest competitors, Apple, has been known for providing long-term iOS updates to its iPhones. Now, Samsung is bringing similar software longevity to its mid-range Android phones.

Key Differences Between Samsung and Apple Software Updates

✔ Apple provides 5-6 years of iOS updates, but only for iPhones.
✔ Samsung’s new policy extends six years of Android updates to mid-range devices as well.
✔ Samsung offers customization through One UI, while Apple follows a universal iOS experience.

With this new strategy, Samsung is closing the software support gap with Apple, making Android devices a stronger long-term choice for users.

Why Long-Term Software Updates Matter in 2025?

With smartphone technology evolving rapidly, users expect more than just hardware upgrades. Long-term software support plays a crucial role in:

✔ Device Performance – Optimized OS ensures smooth functionality for years.
✔ Security Protection – Regular security updates protect user data from cyber threats.
✔ User Experience – Access to the latest Android features, AI improvements, and UI refinements.

By offering six years of support, Samsung is giving users peace of mind, ensuring their devices remain relevant for a longer period.

Will Other Android Brands Follow Samsung’s Lead?

Samsung’s new software update policy sets a high standard for mid-range smartphone support. Other Android manufacturers like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Oppo may now feel pressured to extend their update policies.

If this trend continues, we could see:
✔ More Android brands offering at least five years of OS updates.
✔ Increased focus on device longevity and customer retention.
✔ Enhanced competition with Apple and Google in software support.

Samsung has taken the first big step, and it remains to be seen how the Android ecosystem evolves in response.

Samsung’s decision to offer six years of software support for Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 is a game-changer for mid-range smartphones. This move:

✔ Boosts customer confidence in long-term Android updates.
✔ Aligns Samsung’s mid-range lineup with its flagship models.
✔ Encourages sustainability by reducing e-waste.
✔ Strengthens competition with Apple and Google.

For users looking for a long-lasting, secure, and future-proof smartphone, Samsung’s Galaxy A-series is now an excellent choice.

Stay updated for more insights on Samsung’s latest innovations and smartphone trends!