Solana Mobile is turning the page on its first crypto smartphone, the Saga, which was launched in 2023. The device will no longer receive updates or security patches, marking its abandonment only two years after its market arrival. This early obsolescence contrasts sharply with the support standards set by major players like Apple and Google.
In brief
- •Solana Mobile has ended support for its Saga smartphone, meaning no further software updates or security patches will be provided for the approximately 20,000 devices sold.
- •The Saga's support lifecycle is extremely short, lasting only two years, compared to the seven years of support offered by companies like Apple and Google for their devices.
- •Solana Mobile is now concentrating all its efforts on its second-generation phone, the Seeker, which has already garnered over 150,000 preorders and is planned to feature a new ecosystem token.
- •Despite the end of software support, the Saga's cryptocurrency-specific features will remain operational, and users can transfer their wallets to other devices.
Premature End for Solana’s Saga Smartphone
Solana Mobile officially announced on Monday the discontinuation of support for the Saga smartphone. Owners of the 20,000 units produced will no longer receive any software updates.
A representative confirmed on the official Discord channel, "Software updates and security patches are no longer available for Saga devices."
The phone will continue to function but will remain fixed on Android 14, with its last security patch dated November 2024.
This announcement is surprising due to its speed. The Saga was marketed in April 2023, and its support is ending after only 26 months of existence. For comparison, Apple considers its iPhones "obsolete" only after seven full years. Google and Samsung also offer seven years of support for their flagship devices, highlighting a significant difference in support duration.
The company attributes this decision to a strategic refocus on its second-generation phone, the Seeker. However, for early adopters, this news is disappointing. While the crypto features will continue to work, and wallets can be restored on other devices using the "same seed standard," the absence of security patches leaves these devices increasingly vulnerable to security threats.
The Seeker to Erase Past Mistakes
Solana Mobile is placing all its hopes on its new device, the Seeker. Launched at $500, the Seeker costs half the price of the Saga at its debut. It has already secured over 150,000 preorders, with the first shipments commencing in August. This success stands in stark contrast to the troubled launch of its predecessor.
Solana's first crypto smartphone experienced a catastrophic launch, with sales remaining stagnant until a series of generous airdrops significantly boosted interest at the end of 2023. Holders were then able to collect several thousand dollars in free tokens, which led to a surge in demand for the remaining stock. This experience appears to have informed the company's strategy for the Seeker.
The Seeker boasts notable improvements, including a brighter screen, enhanced battery life, and a redesigned interface. It retains the Seed Vault for securing private keys and offers an improved decentralized application store.
A major innovation is the SKR token, designed to align the interests of developers and users. While specific details are still limited, Solana Mobile promises a participatory economy built around this new ecosystem.
The company is further enhancing security by integrating TEEPIN, a system that validates hardware and software without a centralized intermediary. This means apps no longer require authorization from Google or Apple, with all verification relying on cryptography.
More than 100 native Web3 applications are already available at launch, spanning categories from DeFi to gaming and NFTs.
In summary, the Saga's case highlights Solana Mobile's vulnerability: its durability. A two-year support period cannot compare to the seven years guaranteed by competitors. The 150,000 buyers of the Seeker are taking a calculated risk. It remains to be seen whether the company will honor its long-term commitment this time. In the mobile universe, trust is built over years, not through press releases.