Samsung is set to discontinue SmartThings app updates for older iPhone models, and if you’re still using an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or any earlier version, you’ll soon be affected.
A recent in-app notification indicates that SmartThings will no longer receive updates on iPhones with iOS 16 or lower starting December 23, 2025. The app will remain functional on these devices, but there’s a significant caveat. If you delete the app, you won’t be able to reinstall it unless your phone can be updated to iOS 17 or a later version.
The iPhone X and iPhone 8 series cannot upgrade beyond iOS 16, so they will be permanently excluded from future updates. While SmartThings will continue to operate in its current form, users will miss out on new features, enhanced device integrations, and bug fixes moving forward.
Newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and all subsequent releases, can update to iOS 17 and will continue to receive SmartThings updates without interruption.
Samsung emphasizes that this is not a complete shutdown; users of older iPhones can still manage their lights, sensors, hubs, and other connected devices as they do now. However, as the platform evolves, some new features may not function properly on outdated app versions. Additionally, the inability to reinstall the app means that an accidental deletion or factory reset could result in the loss of SmartThings access unless you upgrade your phone.
This change comes shortly after SmartThings for iPhone and Apple Watch received new features, making the cutoff particularly noticeable for users of older hardware.
If you’re still relying on a pre-XR iPhone as your smart home controller, the message is clear: SmartThings will continue to work, but the countdown has officially begun.
