# **Samsung Stops Supporting Android 7: An Expected Decision**
Samsung has made it official that it will cease support for Android 7 (Nougat) devices in its Members app. Although this announcement may come as a letdown to certain users, it is far from surprising, considering Android 7 was released almost ten years ago. This initiative is part of Samsung’s ongoing strategy to optimize its software support and motivate users to transition to newer, more secure versions of the Android operating system.
## **Key Information to Note**
– Samsung is discontinuing support for Android 7 devices on its Members app.
– Users need to upgrade to Android 8 or newer to keep app access.
– Some older devices may not qualify for an operating system update.
– Samsung is also developing its forthcoming One UI 7 release, which has encountered various delays.
## **Reasons Behind Samsung’s Decision to Drop Android 7 Support**
Android 7 (Nougat) was introduced in 2016, making it nearly a decade old. As time passes, older operating systems become increasingly susceptible to security vulnerabilities, lack up-to-date features, and fail to work with newer applications. Samsung’s choice to halt support for Android 7 is consistent with industry practices, where businesses retire older software to concentrate on up-to-date, more effective versions.
Reports from the **One UI subreddit** indicate that Samsung has begun alerting users through a pop-up message within the Members app. This notice informs them that support for Android 7 will conclude on **April 1, 2025**. Users intending to keep using the Members app need to update their devices to **Android 8 or a later version**.
## **Implications for Users**
For users still operating on Android 7, this adjustment means they will be locked out of Samsung’s Members app unless they update their operating system. However, not all devices may have the capacity to upgrade to a newer version of Android.
To verify if your device qualifies for an update:
1. **Navigate to Settings**
2. **Select Software Update**
3. **Click on Download and Install**
If an update isn’t available, users may need to contemplate acquiring a newer Samsung device.
## **A Change That Has Been Long Overdue**
Numerous users on Reddit and similar forums have noted that Android 7 has become outdated for quite some time. Indeed, Android 7 stopped receiving security updates in **2019**, meaning it has been unsupported by Google for several years. Samsung’s decision to maintain support for the Members app on Android 7 for this extended period is puzzling in itself.
As one Redditor remarked, “It’s remarkable that Samsung has upheld support for this long. Most apps abandoned Android 7 support years ago.” Another user emphasized that Android 7 has been without proper updates for years, rendering it an impractical OS for current use.
## **Samsung’s Commitment to One UI 7**
While Samsung is gradually withdrawing support for older software, it is simultaneously advancing its newest Android interface, **One UI 7**. However, the rollout has faced numerous postponements due to software glitches.
One significant issue reported by beta testers was a **yellow tint problem** in the “Natural” screen mode, compelling Samsung to implement further corrections. The company recently launched **One UI 7 Beta 5**, which encompasses multiple bug fixes and enhancements.
Samsung has assured users that **One UI 7 will debut in Q1 2025**, suggesting it should be available by the end of March. However, considering previous delays, users might need to wait a bit longer for a stable version.
## **Recommended User Actions**
If you are still using a Samsung device running Android 7, consider these options:
1. **Verify for an OS update** – If your device can support Android 8 or newer, make sure to update it promptly.
2. **Think about upgrading your phone** – If your device is too antiquated for updates, it might be time to invest in a newer model.
3. **Explore alternative apps** – If you depend on the Samsung Members app but can’t update, you may need to seek other methods to access Samsung support.
## **Concluding Remarks**
Samsung’s choice to end support for Android 7 isn’t surprising, given the software’s age. While this might inconvenience some users, it is a crucial step toward ensuring enhanced security and performance for contemporary devices.
For those still utilizing Android 7, now is the perfect time to check for updates or contemplate upgrading to a newer Samsung device. In the meantime, Samsung is diligently working on One UI 7, which is expected to introduce fresh features and enhancements—once it eventually launches.
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