LG left the smartphone industry in 2021, and the company laid out a three-year plan to continue supporting users with new updates for eligible phone models. That support has continued for a little longer than the pledged time, but now LG is shutting down its smartphone update servers on June 30.
At the end of June, LG smartphones will no longer be able to install new Android OS updates. This means you'll be limited to the last version you downloaded before the servers were shut down.
Even if you're downloading before the servers are discontinued, you can only upgrade to Android 12 or Android 13 and download any missing security patches, depending on your device.
LG is also shutting down the LG Bridge PC app. This software allows you to manage your phone's contacts, images and videos on a desktop. More importantly, the app interfaces with LG smartphones to create data backups and install software updates. The LG Bridge software will also be sunsetted on June 30.
LG kept the servers on 'past the typical use date'
Avi Greengart, a mobile analyst and president of Techsponential, says that LG kept the lights on for a fairly long time in an environment in which consumers typically upgrade their devices every two or three years. Even so, he told CNET that today's phones are being used longer than before -- and they're getting more support as well.
"Companies like Samsung are promising to update both the OS and security for up to eight years, which means that (those phones) will get new features long into the future," Greengart said.
LG ending support for their smartphones will affect a "vanishingly small number of users," according to Greengart. He advised that it's time to upgrade your phone when it stops getting security updates.
While many modern phones have outpaced the technology in older LG models, Greengart said that some users hold onto their devices because of unique LG design traits like the rear fingerprint reader placement and dual-screen cover displays.
Greengart suggests that these users look for alternatives that offer "secure face ID or fingerprint readers on the side power button" and "large fold phones from Samsung and Google in the US, along with OPPO and HONOR in markets where those are sold."
A representative for LG did not respond to a request for comment.
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