The End of an Era: Samsung Galaxy S22 Series Moves to Quarterly Security Updates

The **Galaxy S22**, **Galaxy S22+**, and **Galaxy S22 Ultra** have officially entered the final chapter of their software lifecycle. As these former flagship devices approach their fourth anniversary later this month, Samsung has transitioned the entire lineup from monthly to quarterly security patches. This shift marks a significant milestone in the aging process of the 2022 flagship family, signaling that the era of frequent, rapid-fire updates has come to a close.

What Quarterly Updates Mean for Your Device

At this stage, the S22 series is well past the period of receiving new Android operating system versions. On paper, these smartphones have approximately four or five security patches remaining and one final **One UI update**—likely One UI 8.5—that will not change the underlying Android version. Having already received the January 2026 security patch, users should expect their next official update to arrive roughly three months from now.

The Galaxy S22 lineup made its debut in February 2022, launching with Android 12. Since then, Samsung has fulfilled its original promise of providing four major OS updates. Currently, the devices are running One UI 8.0, and while One UI 8.5 is expected later this year, it will undoubtedly serve as the final major software refreshment for the series.

Planning for the Future: Support and Upgrades

For those looking to maximize the value of their hardware, the Galaxy S22 remains a capable daily driver for at least another year. However, it is vital to note that by 2027, Samsung will cease all update support for the lineup. From a financial perspective, now may be the optimal time to consider an upgrade. As these devices age, their trade-in value naturally diminishes, making it harder to offset the cost of a newer model the longer you wait.

Modern Samsung flagships now benefit from a significantly improved support policy, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security patches. These newer models also feature more advanced hardware and the full suite of Galaxy AI capabilities. With the **Samsung Galaxy S26* series announcement expected later this month, the timing is perfect for S22 owners to evaluate their next move.

When will the Galaxy S22 receive its next security update?

Since the Galaxy S22 series has moved to a quarterly schedule, and the last update was the January 2026 patch, the next update is expected to arrive in approximately three months, likely around April or May 2026.

Is One UI 8.5 coming to the S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra?

Yes, current projections suggest that the S22 series will receive One UI 8.5 later this year. However, this will likely be the final One UI version for these devices, and it will not include a jump to a new Android OS version.

When will Samsung stop supporting the Galaxy S22 entirely?

Official software support, including critical security patches, is expected to conclude in early 2027. After that point, the devices will no longer receive regular updates from Samsung.

Should I upgrade my Galaxy S22 to the Galaxy S26?

Upgrading to the Galaxy S26 is a strong option because it offers a much longer support window—seven years of updates—alongside significantly improved hardware and more powerful AI features that the S22 hardware cannot fully support.

Will my Galaxy S22 stop working after 2027?

No, the phone will continue to function. However, without security updates, the device becomes more vulnerable to new threats, and app compatibility may eventually decrease over the following years.

🔎 The transition of the Galaxy S22 series to quarterly updates is a natural part of the smartphone lifecycle, but it serves as a timely reminder for users to plan their next technology move. While these phones remain powerful and capable today, the shrinking window of security support and the rapid advancement of mobile AI suggest that the time for a meaningful upgrade is fast approaching. Whether you choose to hold on for one last year or jump to the upcoming S26, the S22 series has certainly proved itself as a resilient and iconic chapter in Samsung's mobile history.