The Samsung Galaxy S21 series was first launched back in 2021, featuring four different models:

• Samsung Galaxy S21
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

Five years later, Samsung has now removed the S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra from its regular update list, according to TechRadar.

This means the devices will no longer receive Android or security updates.

Samsung Galaxy S21 devices at risk of “increased vulnerabilities”

Tech experts have warned that removing these three Samsung Galaxy S21 devices from the regular update list leaves users at risk of “increased vulnerabilities”.

While initially these mobile phones may continue to work as normal, over time, they will begin to age (and at a faster rate than others).

No longer receiving security updates can make devices easier targets for scammers, malware, and data breaches.

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Apps may begin to stop working as developers introduce updates, while users may also be left unable to install new apps.

Phone expert at Insurance2Go, Darren Corney, said: “When a smartphone reaches the end of its regular update cycle, it doesn’t suddenly stop working, but the issues users face start to slowly increase.

“Software updates aren’t just about new features or cosmetic changes – they’re the phone’s frontline defence against new and evolving security threats.

“Once a device like the Galaxy S21 drops off the regular update list, it is no longer guaranteed to receive timely fixes for increasing vulnerabilities.

“Cybercriminals pay very close attention to which devices stop receiving updates, because it effectively gives them a list of phones that will be easier to target in the future.

“Users may find themselves more exposed to malware, phishing attempts, and other types of attacks that exploit weaknesses.

“Beyond security, older phones that no longer get updates can also run into performance issues over time.

“Apps are built with the assumption that the operating system beneath them is being updated and is kept current.

“As that gap widens, users may see apps crashing more often, battery life draining, or certain new features simply not working.”

Once mobile phones stops receiving regular updates, it can begin to cause issues, tech experts warn. (Image: Samsung)

The removal of Samsung Galaxy S21 devices from the update list will also have a financial impact.

General manager at 4gadgets, Jordan Cook, explained: “Devices typically lose value more quickly once update support ends.

“While phones like the Galaxy S21 still retain trade-in value, removal from the update list accelerates depreciation, making earlier upgrades or trade-ins more financially sensible.”

Despite the lack of updates, these Samsung phones won’t become completely obsolete, as they will still be able to perform core functions, including making calls, sending texts, and using basic apps.

Should you charge your phone overnight?

But Mr Corney warned users to consider the long-term implications of using a handset that is “no longer being actively protected”.

He said: “For many people, the phone may still feel perfectly usable day to day, but if you’re using the device for sensitive tasks like mobile banking or work emails, it’s worth considering the long-term implications of running a handset that’s no longer being actively protected.

“At the very least, users should be extra cautious about what they download, avoid unfamiliar links, and think about whether now might be a good time to upgrade to something that will continue to receive security support for years to come.”

Certain Apple iPhones also at an increased risk of vulnerabilities

Certain Apple iPhones are also at an increased risk of vulnerabilities due to no longer receiving updates.

Chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, Lee Elliott, explained: “Those still using an iPhone 11 series or any model below should be warned of the digital security risks associated with still using an unsupported model.

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“This is because Apple drops support for iPhones after around five to seven years after the iPhone model has been released, which means iPhones no longer receive iOS software updates and security patches.

“Because of this, the iPhone 11 will not be able to protect any personal data in the way that more modern iPhones do, leaving users vulnerable to issues like data leaks, hacking, and other security breaches.”

Do you have a Samsung Galaxy S21 device or an Apple iPhone that is no longer receiving regular updates? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

Team GB skier Gus Kenworthy will not be punished after appearing to urinate a graphic message about the United States’ immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) in the snow, then posting a photograph of it online.

Kenworthy shared the image – in which ‘ICE’ was preceded by an expletive – on Instagram a week before he is due to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

A spokesperson from the International Olympic Committee told the Press Association that Kenworthy would not be punished for the post.

“During the Olympic Games, all participants have the opportunity to express their views as per the athlete expression guidelines. The IOC does not regulate personal social media posts,” they said.

In his Instagram post, Kenworthy added: “Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough. We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities.”

The US said they would send ICE agents to the Games to help support American security operations, prompting anger from the Italian foreign office and citizens.

US vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio are in Milan for Friday’s opening ceremony at the San Siro stadium and watched Team USA’s opening ice hockey match on Thursday.

Kenworthy, 34, was born in Chelmsford but has lived in the United States for most of his life.

He won silver in the ski slopestyle at the Sochi 2014 Games while representing the US, as well as five medals at the X Games.

He switched to represent Team GB in 2019, competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, and will feature in the men’s snowboard halfpipe event, with qualifying beginning on 19 February in Livigno, Italy.

North Yorkshire Police said a red Citroën C1 hit the pole in Seamer Road, Scarborough after midnight (February 7).

A force spokesperson said a 16‑year‑old boy, who was a passenger in the vehicle was injured and is in a serious condition.

A 17‑year‑old boy has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences and is currently in police custody.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed the A64 Seamer Road was closed until around 7am to allow investigators to examine the scene.

The spokesperson said: “We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time.

“If you can assist, please email jack.dodsworth@northyorkshire.police.uk and liam.barnes@northyorkshire.police.uk, or contact the North Yorkshire Police control room on 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Please quote reference 12260023063 when providing information.

The county’s fire and rescue service said a crew from Scarborough was called to Barry’s Lane in the town around 12.30am today (February 7).

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A spokesperson for the service said: “Crews isolated the car’s battery using small tools and then cleared the road of any debris using crew power and a brush.”

The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the smash on the A68 near Heighington on Friday (February 6), involving a Vauxhall Astra and a VW Passat.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the driver of the Vauxhall Astra, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene at abour 6.25pm.

His family have been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

Two men and a woman, who were travelling in the VW Passat, sustained serious injuries, and were taken to hospital.

The road was closed while collision investigators worked at the scene, but it has since reopened.

A police spokesperson added: “Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Durham Constabulary via SCIU@durham.police.uk quoting incident reference 321 of February 6.”

Sunderland, though, have been this season’s surprise package in the Premier League. In no danger of being relegated, they did end the Gunners’ run of wins and clean sheets in the reverse fixture back in November, so this all the hallmarks of a banana skin for the hosts. Follow Arsenal vs Sunderland LIVE below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium!

“Look, because of what has happened, I don’t think it is appropriate that we should remain in contact,” and by mutual agreement during that walk in the park we decided that we would part company and I left, I think it was the next day and to this day I never had any contact with him from that day forward,” said Andrew in his TV interview.

Mariah Carey has come under fire after an underwhelming performance at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

The 55-year-old singer wore a silver dress and sang a version of Domenico Modugno’s popular 1950s classic ‘Nel blu, dipinto di blu’, also known as ‘Volare’.

Sadly, despite the glitz and glamour of her performance, viewers were unimpressed with her singing.

Fans complained she was lip-syncing and one went so far as to claim she had spoiled the whole games.

‘Mariah Carey has just ruined the Winter Olympics for everyone,’ wrote @DFranciscoReal on X.

‘Countless great Italian singers and we get Mariah Carey singing in the worst Italian I’ve ever heard on a national stage,’ added @arcanedonovan.

While @DoronTam asked: ‘Why would they bring Mariah Carey out to stand there and lip-synch while staring out into space bored out of her mind??’

It wasn’t just X where people criticised Mariah.

On Reddit, one user complained, ‘[Mariah] was stiff as a board, it was insane. It could’ve been a Mariah cardboard cutout, and I wouldn’t have noticed a difference’.

Others, meanwhile, questioned why they chose an American singer to open the games in Italy.

‘Love Mariah but thought it was odd that they didn’t feature Italian singers,’ wrote kitcassidy. ‘Andrea Bocelli coming out near the end—and not as the finale—was an odd choice too.’

Still, Mariah had her fair share of supporters online as well.

‘You did a great job,’ wrote @jeffsheehan. ‘The original Volare song, recorded by Domenico Modugno, was an integral part of my life as a young child. It’s nice to see it resurrected on the world stage after so many years’.

‘There really is no one better at not actually signing live any more than Mariah Carey,’ claimed @IAmMapes.

Mariah wasn’t the only singer to perform last night. Andrea Bocelli treated everyone to his version of Nessun Dorma while the Chinese pianist Lang Lang performed the Olympic Anthem.

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A ‘storm train’ of consecutive winds and rains battering Spain and Portugal has already forced 11,000 people to flee their homes. 

A man, believed to be about 70, died in Portugal‘s southern Alentejo region on Wednesday after his car was swept away by flood water, local authorities said.

And on Friday, police said a body was found not far ​from where a woman was swept away by a river in Malaga, as she tried to rescue her dog.

Storm Leonardo struck the Iberian Peninsula on Tuesday – with Spanish state weather agency AEMET warning that another storm, Marta, is on its way.

Thousands are now being forced to evacuate amid fears of more flooding.

Areas near the Guadalquivir River in Cordoba have been evacuated ‌overnight due to the dramatic rise in water levels.

Andalusia’s regional leader, Juan Manuel Moreno, told a press conference that they expect 30mm of rainwater on Saturday.

He said: “In other circumstances that would be little water but right now it ​is a lot as the soil is unable to drain and the rivers and reservoirs are full.”

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Meanwhile, in the mountainous Spanish village of Grazalema, 1,500 residents were evacuated as water seeped through walls.

Worse still, the mountains are made of a permeable rock that dissolves if they absorb too much water – potentially leading to their structural collapse.

In the Portuguese town of Alcacer do Sal, residents told how they had to flee with nothing but the clothes on their back.

“I’m left with nothing,” one told Reuters. “Nothing.”

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said late on Thursday his government had extended a state of calamity in 69 municipalities until mid-February, ​adding “unprecedented” rainfall and flood risks threatened several regions.

The commander of Portugal’s ANEPC civil protection service, Mario Silvestre, said there were six rivers at risk of major flooding.

The Tagus river basin was placed on red alert on Thursday due to the abrupt rise in water flow.

The meeting was held at Kettlewell Village Hall on Tuesday evening amid concern in Upper Wharfedale and Littondale about a change made by North Yorkshire Council.

The authority introduced a new policy in September which means free school transport is only available to a child’s nearest school, meaning families are unable to get paid transport to their catchment school if it is not also their closest.

The policy was altered in a bid to help the council reduce its annual school transport bill of more than £50m.

But the new rules have caused concern among families and community leaders in the Dales with journeys to nearest schools being over hazardous moorland routes in some cases.

At the meeting, Councillor Richard Ingram, chair of Buckden Parish Council, urged residents to campaig for changes to the policy, describing the new rules as “discriminatory”.

Parish council deputy chair Peter Vetch highlighted several areas of concern,  including the removal of transport to selective schools such as Ermysted’s Grammar School and Skipton Girls’ High School, despite North Yorkshire operating a selective education system.

Cllr Vetch said the policy had introduced a strict “nearest school” rule based on walking distance rather than road distance or route safety.

He cited examples from Oughtershaw, where the school classed as nearest on foot was significantly further and less practical to reach by road than the school previously attended by children from the area.

Cllr Vetch said that in some cases, children would be expected to travel over Fleet Moss to reach their designated school – a route residents widely regard as unsafe, particularly during winter conditions.

Families from Oughtershaw and Greenfield have already submitted appeals, arguing that these circumstances should be treated as exceptional.

However, the appeals were rejected, with factors such as safety, cost and the impact on attendance ruled outside the scope of the process.

Cllr Vetch added: “Speakers at the meeting warned of serious long-term consequences, including unsafe journeys for children, increased financial strain on families forced to fund private transport, and falling pupil numbers in local schools.”

Concerns were also raised about the wider sustainability of rural communities, including the impact on farming families and the future of village schools.

Anne Vetch, former chair of Upper Wharfedale Primary Federation (UWPF), said after the meeting:” The Upper Wharfedale community, teachers and parents have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure the school as part of UWPF not only has survived but thrived and has a promising future, demonstrated by an increase in numbers, financial sustainability, and a good Ofsted.

“You can imagine my dismay and that of others when we find this work seriously undermined by the school transport policy.”

A spokesperson for STAG, which was represented at the meeting, said: “This is one of several meetings that parishes are organising all around the county – with Sheriff Hutton and Scorton near Richmond also included in that list.

“We are not surprised that residents are getting together to challenge this. North Yorkshire Council were warned about the impact this policy would have on rural communities and now they are going to have to answer to the people who are fighting for the future not only of their children, but also of their villages.”

North Yorkshire Council has repeatedly defended the policy change, which is due to be reviewed later this year, saying it brings services in line with government guidance and will help control rising school transport costs, which have more than doubled since 2018/19.