How many software updates is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 eligible for?

More on Samsung's software promise for the Galaxy Z Fold 7

Qualcomm and Google recently made a joint announcement about plans to offer up to eight years of software support for Android phones powered by the latest Snapdragon chipsets.

While some early reports hinted that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 would get an eight-year support window, that's not the case. Still, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip inside delivers blazing-fast performance and should keep the device running smoothly well into the 2030s.

Despite numerous changes to the way Google and its partners deliver Android OS upgrades over the past year, Samsung did not expand the software update promise for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the current Galaxy S25 series, the brand's new foldable gets seven years of OS updates and security patches. It will get Android updates and security patches through at least 2032.

In a surprising turn of events, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is shipping with One UI 8 at launch, making it the first Galaxy phone to launch with Android 16. Usually, Samsung's foldables arrive with a version of One UI that already debuted on another device. For example, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 launched with One UI 6, which first appeared on the Galaxy S24 series.

Samsung had numerous issues bringing One UI 7, based on Android 15, to older Galaxy phones. But with Android 16 arriving earlier in the cycle this year, Samsung can ship the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with One UI 8 right out of the box.

Now that the summer Galaxy Unpacked event has taken place, we have a clearer picture of Samsung's plans based on what the company officially announced. In the meantime, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains one of the best foldables you can buy.

For more news and information on Samsung’s upcoming foldables, check out our Ultimate Guide.