Solana Mobile has announced the end of software and security updates for its flagship Saga smartphone, marking an abrupt conclusion to the blockchain-integrated device’s lifecycle just two years after launch.
According to a post on their website, the decision means existing users will no longer receive firmware or security patches, exposing devices to potential risks and compatibility issues as newer apps evolve. Customer assistance will now be limited to general inquiries, signaling the complete phase-out of active product support.
Short Run for Solana’s Blockchain Phone
Launched in May 2023, the Saga was envisioned as a step toward mainstream Web3 adoption. It offered native crypto wallet integration, decentralized app access, and freedom from traditional app store restrictions. The phone was produced by OSOM, a California-based hardware firm, in collaboration with Solana Mobile, a subsidiary of Solana Labs.
However, the device’s commercial performance fell short. Initially priced at $1,000, it was later reduced to $599 after slow sales.
Despite a surge of interest from Solana enthusiasts, only about 20,000 units were sold, missing the initial 50,000-unit target. Comparatively, the Saga’s two-year lifespan appears short against competitors Apple and Google typically provide at least five to seven years of updates.
From Web3 Innovation to Memecoin Phenomenon
Interestingly, the Saga’s most enduring legacy may not be its blockchain integration but its unexpected role in Solana’s memecoin boom. Each unit shipped with a preloaded crypto wallet that became a prime destination for token airdrops. Developers used these wallets to reward early adopters and drive community engagement.
As the memecoin frenzy escalated in late 2023, some of these tokens surged in value, at times surpassing the phone’s original retail cost severalfold. Consequently, unopened Saga phones now trade for up to three times their retail value on secondary markets.
Solana’s Price Outlook
Source: X
While the phone project winds down, Solana’s native token (SOL) continues to show resilience. The asset trades at $194.21 with a market cap exceeding $106 billion. Analyst Daniel Ramsey noted that Solana has consolidated below its $210–$250 resistance zone for 579 days.
He said the long accumulation phase could precede a major breakout toward $400–$450 if the token closes above $250. As long as SOL holds above the $145 base level, Ramsey believes bullish momentum remains intact.
