The Samsung Cloud service is scrapping support for creating third-party app backups on compatible Android devices, with the South Korean tech giant now notifying users about the policy change via email. The notifications are reportedly rolling out on a global level but may take several days to reach all users, with the priority presumably being those who are currently hosting third-party app backups via Samsung Cloud. The change itself is set to come into effect on February 6th, after which new backups won’t be allowed by the app, whereas the old ones will be deleted. The phone maker specifically emphasized that the policy change only affects Samsung Cloud and not the “Backup and Restore” functionality of the Secure Folder app. Old backups may not be deleted on February 6th but that date will mark the start of Samsung’s efforts to “promptly” purge all such data.
The move implies a significant portion of users were relying on Samsung Cloud to create third-party app backups instead of using it in conjunction with Samsung’s own apps or were at least prioritizing such data over the one from the company’s first-party portfolio. Backing up files not directly tied to a third-party app with Samsung Cloud will still be possible following the policy change regardless of their origin. The change affects both paying customers and those who are only using the free 15GB of cloud storage provided to them with the purchase of any contemporary Galaxy-branded device. Users who never accessed Samsung Cloud are unlikely to be notified of the change via email as Samsung is reportedly only sending alerts to people who currently have data hosted via its service. The Seoul-based original equipment manufacturer has yet to explain the move in any capacity and it remains to be seen whether it intends to do so.
Samsung’s policy change suggests the firm is now primarily positioning its cloud service as a solution for backing up data from its apps such as S Note, Calendar, and the Internet browser, possibly in an effort to save hosting costs. Users affected by the change are advised to download their third-party app data from Samsung Cloud and upload it to another service as soon as possible.