New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on February 25, 2020) follows:

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ arrived in February of 2017, which is only two years ago. Typically, everyone agrees two years isn’t a long time ago, but the story is quite the opposite when talking about smartphone life cycles.

Most Android smartphones receive only two years of software updates. Still, the updates may take ages to arrive, especially when the device is nearing the end of its cycle, something Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, and even Galaxy Note 8 owners can expect anytime going forward.

The trio came running Android Nougat and has since received two OS upgrades to Oreo and Pie. Naturally, this should mean the end of the road for these devices, but it seems Samsung is toying around with the idea of pushing One UI 2.0 (Android 10) to the devices.

The first-gen Google Pixel picked up an extra year of software updates and so did OnePlus 3/3T and OnePlus 5/5T. Samsung may be following in Google and OnePlus’ footsteps by pushing the Galaxy S8 One UI 2.0 update with Android 10, the third major OS upgrade for the device. Or is it?

A month ago, we received mixed statements from different Samsung support representatives regarding the One UI 2.0 update for Galaxy S8 and Note 8 devices.

While one claimed the devices are eligible and will be upgraded to the new OS, another suggested that this won’t be the case since Samsung devices only receive two OS upgrades.

Now, when posed with the same question, yet another Samsung support rep. suggests the Galaxy S8 is being lined up for an update to Android 10, as seen in the screengrab below.

Samsung-Galaxy-S8-One-UI-2.0-update
(Source)

However, like previous statements, you got to take this one with a pinch of salt or even more in the eye, at least until Samsung makes an official statement.

Matter of fact, it’s likely that the support guy is responding with respect to the regular security updates, where the S8 and S8+ should downgrade from monthly to quarterly security updates, probably beginning Q2 2020. At the moment, they are still receiving monthly patches.

Samsung Monthly updates

Many will agree the Galaxy S8 and its Note 8 counterpart are more than capable of handling Android 10, so it’s just a matter of unwillingness from Samsung because obviously, they have the resources to do so.

Will the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 be the ones to change the way Samsung handles software updates for its premium line of devices? Only time will tell, but at this point, your guess is probably as good as ours.

Update (February 27, 2020)

Samsung-centric publication SamMobile has published a story that claims to clarify the One UI 2.0 update matter for Galaxy S8 and Note 8 units. Apparently, Samsung confirmed to them at the recent Unpacked event that there won’t be Android 10 updates for these devices.

It was expected, only that owners didn’t want to accept their fate. According to Samsung, the devices have already received two OS upgrades, which is what the company promises for its devices, premium or not.

Going forward, the Note 8 and S8 devices should continue receiving security updates. Matter of fact, Samsung still has them included in the list of devices that receive monthly security updates, but certainly not for a very long time to come.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.

Hillary Keverenge
1994 Posts

Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.

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