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  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
    ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
    tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
    bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
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Ledger Nano S phase-out

Ledger Nano S phase-out sparks outrage over long-term wallet support limits

https://icn.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ledger-Nano-S-phase-out.mp3
  • by ICN.live
Adnan Al-Jaziri

Ledger Nano S phase-out has ignited a wave of frustration among long-time crypto holders and hardware wallet users.

Many believed this device would serve as a reliable vault for years. Now, Ledger has stopped supporting the Nano S, sparking debate over cold storage longevity.

The Nano S, launched in 2016 and retired in 2022, will no longer receive software updates. Users worry about future bugs and security gaps. Despite Ledger’s claims that the wallet will still work, the lack of updates leaves many uneasy.

Critics are asking whether they must now buy new devices every few years. The newer Ledger wallets aren’t cheap, ranging from $150 to $400. Ledger offers a 20% discount to Nano S owners upgrading to current models. But that offer isn’t easing concerns about product lifecycle transparency.

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Sunset shocks cold storage believers

One of Ledger Nano S’s major selling points was long-term security. Many users treated it like a digital time capsule. The sudden announcement that updates are ending feels like a betrayal to some. Users on Crypto Twitter called the move “uncool” and even “scammy.”

Ledger’s CTO, Charles Guillemet, explained that the device’s 320KB memory is maxed out. He said it can’t support new apps, updated features, or even multiple language packs. That severely limits the wallet’s future usability.

Currently, major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum are still supported on the Nano S. Basic functions—sending, receiving, and swapping—are operational. But the device won’t evolve with the ecosystem.

Ledger Nano S phase-out reflects crypto’s rapid evolution

Ledger claims it’s being honest about technical limitations. The blockchain world has exploded in complexity since 2016. Supporting new chains and smarter transactions demands more powerful hardware. That means older devices like the Nano S just can’t keep up.

Still, the phase-out raises key questions for hardware wallet users. Can anyone trust a device to store assets for decades? Is planned obsolescence becoming the norm in crypto?

While Ledger assures that Bitcoin will work unless the protocol itself changes, users now have to plan for eventual hardware turnover. Cold storage, once viewed as forever storage, may now come with an expiration date.

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What does the Ledger Nano S phase-out mean for users?

Ledger is ending software updates for the Nano S, a hardware wallet released in 2016. Although basic features like sending and receiving Bitcoin and Ethereum still work, users won’t get new features or critical updates. This means the device may become less secure over time, especially if new vulnerabilities emerge. Ledger is recommending that users upgrade to a newer model, offering a discount to Nano S owners. While the device isn’t being “bricked,” its usefulness is slowly being diminished.

Is the Ledger Nano S still safe to use?

For now, yes. The device will still handle transactions with major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Ledger says it will warn users if any serious protocol changes render the Nano S unsafe. However, without updates, the device won’t receive security patches. If new exploits are discovered, the Nano S could be exposed. This situation places more responsibility on users to stay informed and cautious. Using it in a limited way and avoiding new chains is recommended if you choose not to upgrade.

Why can’t Ledger continue supporting the Nano S?

Ledger’s CTO explains that the Nano S’s hardware has reached its limit. The wallet’s memory is only 320KB, and today’s crypto environment is vastly more complex than in 2016. New apps, language packs, transaction clarity tools, and swap capabilities simply won’t fit on the device anymore. Supporting additional features would require sacrificing others. Ledger made a strategic decision to phase out updates and encourage users to move to more powerful models like the Nano X or Nano Stax.

What are the alternatives to the Nano S now?

Ledger offers newer models like the Nano X ($150), Ledger Flex ($250), and Ledger Stax ($400). These devices have more memory and support for a broader range of applications. Competing hardware wallets like Trezor and SafePal also offer alternatives with varying features. Users should compare security standards, supported coins, and long-term software update policies. Choosing a wallet now means thinking about its lifespan—will it last 10 years, or will another upgrade be needed in 5?

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