operating system

Smartphones may not receive crucial security updates, leaving them vulnerable to threats despite appearing to function well. Users can check their device's security status by navigating to Settings > About Phone to see the last security patch date. If it exceeds three to six months, the device may be nearing its support cutoff. Google Play system updates can also enhance security and should be checked via the Play Store. Manufacturers typically do not publicize end-of-life dates, but resources like endoflife.date can help users find this information. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE will receive updates until September 2033, while the Google Pixel 6 Pro will stop receiving support in October 2026. Google offers seven years of updates for Pixel 8 and newer models, while Samsung provides up to seven years for Galaxy S24 and Z Fold/Flip6 models. OnePlus offers four years of OS updates and up to six years of security patches. The European Union mandates a minimum of five years of software updates for new smartphones sold within the region starting June 2025. If a phone stops receiving updates, users should enable automatic app updates, avoid unverified apps, use two-factor authentication, back up data, and be cautious with public Wi-Fi. If the last security patch is over six months old or the device has surpassed its support cutoff, upgrading to a newer model is advisable.