Solana Mobile has officially ended software support for its first-generation Saga smartphone, leaving approximately 20,000 devices without future updates or security patches. The announcement came Monday through the company's Discord community, marking the end of a brief but eventful product lifecycle.
The decision means Saga owners will no longer receive new software updates or critical security patches moving forward. Customer support will now only handle general inquiries rather than device-specific technical issues. The final security update for Saga devices dates back to November 2024, with the phone's last major upgrade being Android 14 from 2023.
This two-year support window stands in stark contrast to industry standards set by major manufacturers. Apple designates devices as vintage or obsolete only after seven years, while Google and Samsung now offer seven-year support windows for their flagship phones. The Saga's abbreviated lifecycle raises questions about long-term viability for crypto-focused hardware.
Current Functionality and Future Outlook
Despite the support termination, existing Saga devices remain fully operational. All crypto features, including the secure seed vault and decentralized app store, continue to function normally. According to Solana Mobile's AI support team, Saga wallets can be restored on other devices since they follow standard seed protocols.
Saga's Unexpected Demand and Airdrop Phenomenon
The Saga launched in April 2023 with minimal initial interest but experienced unexpected demand later that year. Airdrops tied to the device surged in value, providing holders with potentially thousands of dollars in rewards and creating a sudden sellout situation. This airdrop phenomenon transformed the phone from a commercial disappointment into a sought-after device within months.
Shift to the Second-Generation Seeker Device
Solana Mobile has shifted its entire focus to the Seeker, its second-generation device that began shipping in August. The Solana-powered phone attracted over 150,000 pre-orders and launched at $500, half the Saga's original price point. The Seeker features upgraded hardware, an improved decentralized app store, and introduces SeekerID functionality.
The new device will also feature SKR, a native ecosystem token designed to reward both builders and users. While specific token details remain undisclosed, Solana Mobile's website indicates SKR will be distributed directly to developers and the user community. This tokenomics approach aims to create stronger alignment between the ecosystem and its participants, potentially addressing some sustainability concerns highlighted by the Saga's short support cycle.