Can't seem to update Android any further

[Hadza2]

I have a Samsung Galaxy A8 phone (from 2018). I hadn't updated the Android OS since I got it until now. It was on Android 8.  I was able to update it to Android 9, but no further.  Since I know Samsung phones allow up to 4 Android version updates, I figure I should be able to get up to at least Android 10 (possibly 11). I had my phone set on automatic updates, but never received any.

Is there something about Public Mobile that doesn't detect updates on Samsung phones? 

Is there a way to force another update now? Maybe with Smart Switch or something?

Thanks.

[BKNS27]

@Hadza2 

On my older phones I install a VPN on them and I continue using them. I just use the spares for calling, texting, googling etc.

Downloaded WhatsApp with the TextNow number.

[Hadza2]

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

I hadn't actually noticed the need to update the OS until recently, when a couple of apps wouldn't install because my Android version was out of date. Interesting that I went for 5 years without needing to update (I don't use my phone for much beyond calls/texts/telling time/camera, and a few productivity uses.  I also still have tons of storage space), so that's not too bad.  I guess I've had a good run. 

If I can't expect to update beyond Android 9, then I probably won't bother trying to do the Smart Switch thing.

Looks like I'll be going shopping for a new phone in 2024  😊

[BKNS27]

@computergeek541 

Thanks, I realized that Samsung never promised 3 years of update.
But based on my experience with Samsung and iPhones. I am getting about 3 years on Samsung phones and 7 years updates on iPhones. Just so happens that I got a One UI 6.0 update on my Samsung S22 yesterday. I hope it will be 7 years on the S22 but I doubt, probably about 3 years.

[computergeek541 · Accepted solution]

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@BKNS27 wrote:

@Hadza2 

My spouse have the Samsung S8 plus and I have an old Samsung S9 on OS Android 10 as a backup phone.

Samsung announced that they will offer 5 years of upgrade to their newer phones. On older phones, it was only 3 years of upgrades so it doesn't have anything to do with the carriers.

So your A8 will only get updates to 2021.

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Samung never promised major Android version updates for those 3 yaers.  The final security update for this model was in November 2021 and Android 9 was the last major Android release supported.

[computergeek541]

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@Hadza2 wrote:

I have a Samsung Galaxy A8 phone (from 2018). I hadn't updated the Android OS since I got it until now. It was on Android 8.  I was able to update it to Android 9, but no further.  Since I know Samsung phones allow up to 4 Android version updates, I figure I should be able to get up to at least Android 10 (possibly 11). I had my phone set on automatic updates, but never received any.

Is there something about Public Mobile that doesn't detect updates on Samsung phones? 

Is there a way to force another update now? Maybe with Smart Switch or something?

---

The 4 years of software updates is only for some of the most recent of Samsung devices.  The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) will never officially be updated  past Android 9.

[BKNS27]

@Hadza2 

My spouse have the Samsung S8 plus and I have an old Samsung S9 on OS Android 10 as a backup phone.

Samsung announced that they will offer 5 years of upgrade to their newer phones. On older phones, it was only 3 years of upgrades so it doesn't have anything to do with the carriers.

So your A8 will only get updates to 2021.

[gpixel]

@Hadza2 

to be honest, the a8 is a lower tier device and Samsung didn't support any higher versions above android 9. you can also invest in purchasing a refurbished Samsung s21 off of eBay for $270. and sell the a8 for $80-100 

 Samsung S21 

[softech]

@Hadza2 

this is not a carrier issue, PM does not block any OS update.  It is something you need to open ticket with Samsung.   FYI,  if the phone was bought outside of Canada/US , it could be the reason.  Your phone might not be able to get OS update due to regional block on Samsung side