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Android Version End of Life (2026)

DodaTech Updated 2026-06-20 2 min read

In this tutorial, you'll learn about Android Version End of Life (2026). We cover key concepts, practical examples, and best practices to help you understand and apply this topic effectively.

Android version support varies significantly by manufacturer. Google releases a new major version annually, but security patch availability depends on the device maker, chipset vendor, and carrier. Unlike Apple or Microsoft, Google separates OS-level updates from app-layer updates via Google Play Services, meaning many security fixes reach users without a full OS update.

Version Support Table

Version Release Date Support Status
Android 12 Oct 2021 No longer maintained
Android 13 Aug 2022 Limited support
Android 14 Oct 2023 Active
Android 15 Sep 2024 Active
Android 16 Q2 2025 Upcoming / Active

Support Policy

Google guarantees 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches for Pixel devices (Pixel 8 and later get 7 years). Samsung offers 4–7 years depending on the Galaxy tier. Most Android manufacturers provide 2–3 years of OS updates and one additional year of security patches.

The key distinction is Google Play Services — an OS-independent layer that updates via the Play Store. Most Android security vulnerabilities are addressed through Play Services updates, including WebView, Play Protect, and framework-level fixes. This means devices running older Android versions still receive critical security patches even after the manufacturer stops providing OS updates.

How to Check Your Android Version

Open Settings > About Phone > Software Information (or Android Version on newer devices). The Android version number (e.g., 14) and security patch level (e.g., June 2026) are displayed.

# Not applicable — Android does not expose version info via shell by default
# on consumer devices without root.

On development devices, adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release returns the Android version.

FAQ

What is the difference between OS updates and security patches?

OS updates (major version upgrades like 14 to 15) include new features and API changes. Security patches are monthly or quarterly updates that fix vulnerabilities without changing the underlying OS version. Google Play Services delivers many security patches directly, bypassing the manufacturer.

How long do Samsung devices get updates?

Samsung flagships (Galaxy S series, Z series) receive 4–6 years of security updates and 4 generations of OS upgrades. Mid-range Galaxy A devices typically get 3–4 years of security patches and 2–3 OS upgrades.

Why does my Android phone stop getting updates even though the version is still supported?

Manufacturers control update delivery. Even if Google still supports Android 14, your phone's maker may have stopped testing and releasing patches for that model. Custom ROMs like LineageOS can extend the usable life of older hardware.

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