Samsung is cutting off some Galaxy phones — but yours is probably safe
Samsung is removing a key payment feature from some Galaxy phones starting tomorrow.
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The Galaxy S26 Ultra should keep working flawlessly over the next few years, though. | Image by PhoneArena
Even if your older Galaxy phone is still working just fine, it may soon become a lot harder to use. In fact, Samsung is about to roll out some changes that'll make it impossible for old Galaxy phones to process payments starting as early as tomorrow, Aug 25.
Samsung rolls out changes to Galaxy Store and Galaxy Themes
Soon, Samsung won't let some users pay through their device. | Image by Sammy Fans
Samsung is issuing policy changes to payments made through Galaxy Store and Galaxy Themes, limiting users with ancient phones to pay through their devices.
As the folks over at SammyFans point out, the changes start rolling out this August 25 and will affect how paid content and in-app purchases are handled through Samsung Checkout.
The good news is that these changes will affect relatively old Samsung phones and tablets running Android 5.0 or earlier. While that may be frustrating for owners who are still using these devices, the decision is reportedly motivated by Samsung's efforts to keep its payment processes secure and reliable.
As the folks over at SammyFans point out, the changes start rolling out this August 25 and will affect how paid content and in-app purchases are handled through Samsung Checkout.
Basically, some Galaxy phones will no longer be able to process payments through Samsung's services, meaning you won't be able to use them to buy apps, themes or other paid content.
The good news is that these changes will affect relatively old Samsung phones and tablets running Android 5.0 or earlier. While that may be frustrating for owners who are still using these devices, the decision is reportedly motivated by Samsung's efforts to keep its payment processes secure and reliable.
What would make you finally replace an old Galaxy phone?
Best way to avoid the problem
This powerful flagship phone impressed many with its Privacy Display feature, and while its regular price definitely isn't my favorite part about it, it can now be yours for $200 off through Amazon.
And in case you want more Samsung news:
- Samsung may resolve to unusual design choices with the Galaxy S27 Ultra
- Samsung's Exynos 2700 may turn out to be a lot more powerful than you might have thought
- Find out more about the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display feature in our review
What happens now?
Although Samsung's policy changes will essentially make it impossible for older Galaxy phone and tablet owners to purchase different types of content through Samsung Checkout, that doesn't mean the devices themselves will stop working.
Regardless, given that Android 5.0 was released almost 12 years ago, it's hardly surprising that Samsung is beginning to phase out support for some of its services on the aging software.
Regardless, given that Android 5.0 was released almost 12 years ago, it's hardly surprising that Samsung is beginning to phase out support for some of its services on the aging software.
Not the worst thing
The ancient Galaxy S6 debuted with Android 5.0 out of the box. | Image by PhoneArena
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of brands locking older hardware out of the smartphone experience. Still, I understand the underlying logic here: when a company can no longer guarantee that its payment systems can operate securely on aging software, cutting off that functionality is probably the safer choice.
Not everyone wants to upgrade their phone just because it's getting old, but when sensitive banking and payment information is involved, it certainly sounds like the logical step to take.
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