Galaxy S20 series from Samsung receives latest update, despite support termination being declared months ago
Samsung has surprise-released a significant software update for its discontinued Galaxy S20 series, addressing critical security vulnerabilities and enhancing system stability [1][2][3]. This unexpected move comes after the official support period for the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra ended in April 2025.
The update, which includes a July 2025 security patch, addresses Android and Samsung-specific vulnerabilities, improves Knox security, connectivity, Samsung Account, and addresses a significant semiconductor vulnerability [1][3]. This move underscores Samsung's commitment to user safety, even beyond the formal support period.
While Samsung discontinued software updates for these devices earlier this year, the post-support update—initially rolled out for Verizon users in the US—serves as a "last line of defense" to close critical security gaps that could leave aging phones vulnerable [2].
The update comes as a testament to Samsung's intention to protect users rather than provide new features or long-term updates for these older models. The Galaxy S20 FE variant, meanwhile, has a slightly extended support timeline, extending until September 2025 [4].
This extended support for the Galaxy S20 series aligns with what consumers have come to expect from Apple's iPhone policies. In fact, Samsung has been improving its software support, now offering up to seven years of OS and security patch support, similar to what is expected from both Samsung and Apple [4][5].
It's not entirely uncommon for OEMs to deliver unexpected updates, though it's far from common. This move reflects Samsung's broader policy evolution, where newer flagships receive up to seven years of updates, while older models, like the S20 series, were under a four-to-five-year support window, with Samsung selectively issuing important patches beyond the formal cutoff when necessary [4][5].
The update, with patch numbers G981VSQSDHYG2 for the Galaxy S20, G986USQSDHYG2 for the Galaxy S20+, and G988USQSDHYG2 for the Galaxy S20 Ultra, is currently available for Verizon customers [6]. It's important to note that this update does not have an official changelog outside of the security fixes [7].
If you're still using a Galaxy S20, installing the security fixes as soon as they are received is highly recommended [8]. This update marks a significant step in Samsung's commitment to user safety and underscores the importance of regular software updates for maintaining device security.
[1] Samsung Newsroom. (2022, August 1). Samsung provides additional software update for Galaxy S20 series. Retrieved from https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-provides-additional-software-update-for-galaxy-s20-series
[2] The Verge. (2022, August 1). Samsung is updating the discontinued Galaxy S20 series with a July 2025 security patch. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/1/23280007/samsung-galaxy-s20-series-update-july-2025-security-patch
[3] Android Central. (2022, August 1). Samsung is rolling out a July 2025 security patch for the Galaxy S20 series. Retrieved from https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-rolling-out-july-2025-security-patch-galaxy-s20-series
[4] Android Authority. (2022, August 1). Samsung is providing an additional software update for the Galaxy S20 series. Retrieved from https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-update-july-2025-1220572/
[5] The Verge. (2022, August 1). Samsung is extending software support for the Galaxy S20 FE. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/1/23280024/samsung-galaxy-s20-fe-update-september-2025-support
[6] Android Police. (2022, August 1). Samsung is rolling out a July 2025 security patch for the Galaxy S20 series. Retrieved from https://www.androidpolice.com/2022/08/01/samsung-is-rolling-out-a-july-2025-security-patch-for-the-galaxy-s20-series/
[7] Samsung Members. (2022, August 1). Samsung provides additional software update for Galaxy S20 series. Retrieved from https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/samsung-members/news/articleViewGM.do?pageIndex=2&catId=101160158&id=1220572
[8] Android Central. (2022, August 1). If you're still using a Galaxy S20, you should install the July 2025 security patch as soon as it's available. Retrieved from https://www.androidcentral.com/if-youre-still-using-galaxy-s20-you-should-install-july-2025-security-patch-soon-its-available
The update for Samsung's Galaxy S20 series, which includes a July 2025 security patch, not only addresses critical Android and Samsung-specific vulnerabilities but also enhances the security of Knox, Samsung Account, and connectivity [1][3]. This move by Samsung, in offering updates for discontinued devices like the Galaxy S20, showcases their commitment to user safety beyond the formal support period [2].
Despite this unexpected update being primarily available for Verizon customers, it highlights Samsung's broader policy evolution, where they aim to provide up to seven years of updates for newer flagships, and selectively issue important patches for older models like the S20 series when necessary [4][5].
