In a significant development for the cryptocurrency community, Ledger has confirmed that it will cease software updates for its original Nano S hardware wallet due to its inherent technical constraints. Launched in 2016, the wallet will still function for basic transactions, but users will not receive new features or enhancements moving forward.
This decision highlights a pivot away from a device that was once pivotal to Ledger’s product offerings. Ledger’s Chief Technology Officer, Charles Guillemet, provided insights regarding this choice through a series of messages on social media platforms.
Guillemet noted that the Nano S’s memory cap of 320 KB has increasingly limited its ability to keep up with modern technological demands, particularly regarding application support and security updates.
Most of this memory is devoted to fundamental functions, such as LedgerOS and essential apps for Bitcoin and Ethereum, resulting in restricted capacity for new functionalities.
Technological Evolution Outstrips Older Models
While Ledger officially phased out the Nano S in 2022, it continued to offer minimal updates for an additional two years. Guillemet elaborated on the challenges posed by contemporary enhancements in wallet software, noting that advancements like multi-application environments and enhanced security measures far exceed the Nano S’s memory capabilities.
Even with the lack of updates, users can still engage in basic operations, including sending, receiving, and swapping cryptocurrencies utilizing core functionalities. Notably, users’ private keys remain entirely portable.
Ledger reassured customers that they can transition their funds to newer devices by utilizing their 24-word recovery phrase, which is universally supported by BIP-39-compliant wallets.
In light of these changes, the company encourages users to upgrade to the Nano S Plus, which offers enhanced memory and aligns with the latest software innovations.
The Plus model significantly expands support for multiple applications and adapts to the evolving security benchmarks deemed essential in today’s cryptocurrency landscape.
Community Responses to the Announcement
Nonetheless, not all industry participants shared this critical view. Marc Zeller, affiliated with Aave, remarked that discontinuing support for older hardware is common practice across the technology landscape. However, he recognized that Ledger could have discontinued Nano S sales earlier to foster clarity and set appropriate expectations for its user base.
While I personally harbor reservations about Ledger as a brand, they are discontinuing support for an old device that has been around for a decade, not the current Nano S Plus. Chip technology has a finite lifespan, and it’s usual for companies to halt support for outdated hardware after many years.
— Marc “Billy” Zeller
(@lemiscate) June 26, 2025
Image courtesy of DALL-E, with trading chart sourced from TradingView.
