Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 Shift to Quarterly Security Updates

Samsung has ended monthly security updates for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, shifting them to a quarterly update cycle as of September 2025. Both foldables, launched in August 2021, have completed their promised major Android upgrades and will now only receive limited security support.

This change, announced in September 2025, reflects the natural lifecycle of Samsung smartphones and highlights the company’s broader focus on maintaining its latest foldables, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Why the Change?

End of Monthly Security Updates

For the past four years, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 have consistently received monthly security patches. With the transition in 2025, these phones will now be updated once every three months.

This means:

• Fewer patches than newer models

• Longer exposure windows for minor vulnerabilities

• Continued coverage for critical risks through one-off emergency patches if required

Completion of Software Roadmap

When released, Samsung promised these devices four years of major Android upgrades and five years of security updates. Both commitments have now been fulfilled.

• The final OS upgrade was Android 15 with One UI 7, rolled out earlier in 2025.

• Security support remains, but at a reduced pace.

Summary Table

Devices Affected

Galaxy Z Fold 3

• Launch date: August 2021

• Displays: 7.6-inch QXGA+ internal foldable display (120Hz) and 6.2-inch cover display (120Hz)

• Processor: 5nm octa-core chipset

• Memory & Storage: 12GB RAM, up to 512GB UFS 3.1

• Software Journey: Launched on Android 11 / One UI 3.1, updated through Android 15 / One UI 7

Galaxy Z Flip 3

• Launch date: August 2021

• Displays: 6.7-inch FHD+ foldable main screen (120Hz) and 1.9-inch cover display

• Processor: 5nm octa-core chipset, peak clock speed 2.84GHz

• Memory & Storage: 8GB RAM, 128-256GB UFS 3.1

• Software Journey: Also began with Android 11 and received its final update to Android 15 / One UI 7

Current Update Policy

Samsung’s update matrix now lists the Fold 3 and Flip 3 under quarterly support. This means users can still expect patches, but not as frequently as newer flagships.

• Quarterly Updates: Security patches every three months

• Emergency Updates: Samsung may still issue fixes for critical security risks

• No More OS Upgrades: Both devices have reached their last Android version

The Bigger Picture: Samsung’s Update Strategy

Samsung has dramatically expanded its software support in recent years:

• The Galaxy S24 series and newer foldables like the Z Fold 7 / Flip 7 now enjoy seven years of OS and security updates.

• Select mid-range devices launched in 2025 also benefit from up to six years of updates.

This strategy makes the Fold 3 and Flip 3’s transition to quarterly updates unsurprising, as Samsung aligns resources with its newer lineup.

Should You Upgrade?

Users of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 still have reliable devices, but the reduced update cycle may raise concerns for those prioritizing security.

Reasons to Stay

• Still supported until at least 2026 (quarterly cycle)

• Devices remain powerful and feature-rich

• Google Play system updates continue independently of Samsung firmware

Reasons to Upgrade

• Newer foldables like the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 ship with Android 16 / One UI 8 and offer 7 years of updates

• Better trade-in values while the Fold 3 and Flip 3 still hold resale worth

• Hardware improvements such as brighter screens, better cameras, and stronger hinge durability

Samsung trade-in programs often provide up to $400 off a Fold 7 or $300 off a Flip 7 when exchanging older models.

FAQs

Q1: Are the Fold 3 and Flip 3 completely unsupported now?

A. No. They still receive quarterly security updates and may get critical fixes if required.

Q2: Will they get Android 16 or One UI 8?

A. No. Both devices ended their OS journey with Android 15 / One UI 7.

Q3: How long will quarterly updates continue?

A. Samsung has not specified an end date, but based on past practices, support could last into 2026 before being fully discontinued.

Q4: What is the difference between monthly and quarterly updates?

A. Monthly patches fix issues more promptly, while quarterly updates cover vulnerabilities in a single, less frequent release.

Q5: What is Samsung’s current update policy for new devices?

A. Flagships from 2024 onward, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, receive seven years of OS upgrades and security updates.

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