Samsung is preparing to end updates to its SmartThings app for older iPhones, and if you’re still using an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or older, you’re about to feel the effects.
A new in-app notification confirms that SmartThings will stop receiving updates on iPhones running iOS 16 or lower starting December 23, 2025. The app will continue to work on these devices for now, but there’s a catch. If you delete it, you won’t be able to reinstall it unless your phone can update to iOS 17 or later.
The iPhone X and iPhone 8 families cannot be upgraded to iOS 16 or later, so they will remain on the “No new updates” list forever. SmartThings will continue to operate in its current state, but all new features, device integration improvements, and bug fixes will no longer be available.
Newer models, including iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and models released since, can upgrade to iOS 17 and continue to receive SmartThings updates as usual.
Samsung does not consider this a shutdown. Users with older iPhones will still be able to control lights, sensors, hubs, and other connected devices as they do now. However, as the platform continues to evolve, over time some new features may no longer work properly with older versions of the app. Also, you can’t reinstall the app, which makes the situation vulnerable. Unless you upgrade your phone, accidental deletion or factory reset can cause you to permanently lose access to SmartThings.
This change comes on the heels of new features being added to SmartThings for iPhone and Apple Watch, so this disconnect will be especially noticeable for users of older hardware.
If you’re still using a pre-XR iPhone as a smart home controller, it’s easy to understand. SmartThings continues to work, but the clock is officially ticking.
