News at 10: Ledger Sunsets the Ledger S — What It Means for Crypto Security

As Ledger discontinues support for its original Ledger S hardware wallet, millions of users must decide: upgrade, migrate, or risk falling behind in security.

Stay in the know on crypto by frequently visiting Crypto News Today

📌A Quiet Phaseout with Big Implications

Ledger, one of the most recognized names in crypto security, has officially announced the sunset of the Ledger S hardware wallet, marking the end of an era for cold storage. For many early adopters, the Ledger S wasn’t just a device — it was a symbol of self-custody. Now, that symbol is being phased out.

But the move isn’t just nostalgic — it has practical and financial implications for users still depending on the device for securing their digital assets.

CryptoCaster Quick Check:

🧱 What’s Actually Happening?

Ledger has confirmed:

• Ledger Live updates will stop for the Ledger S by the end of 2025.
• New firmware updates will no longer be delivered for the S line.
• Security patches and compatibility updates will be unavailable moving forward.
• Ledger S Plus and Ledger Nano X will remain supported.

This means that Ledger S users will be increasingly locked out of using new tokens, blockchain updates, or even restoring wallets via Ledger Live as the ecosystem progresses.

🛠️ Why the Change?

The Ledger S launched in 2016 with just 320 KB of memory — enough at the time to support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a few altcoins. But as the crypto ecosystem exploded in complexity (think NFTs, DeFi, Layer-2s, and app chains), the S became functionally outdated.

Ledger made the call to sunset:

• To streamline developer support across fewer devices
• To avoid future security liabilities
• To push the user base toward the Ledger S Plus (2022) or Ledger Nano X

🔐 What Should You Do If You Still Use a Ledger S?

Option 1: Upgrade to Ledger S Plus or Nano X

• Both offer larger memory and stronger future compatibility
• Easy migration via 24-word seed phrase

Option 2: Transition to Another Cold Wallet

• Trezor, GridPlus, Keystone, and others remain viable alternatives
• Open-source options exist for advanced users

Option 3: Stay Put (Not Recommended)

• You’ll be exposed to security risks
• New dApps and assets may be completely inaccessible

⚠️ Security Considerations

Even if your Ledger S appears to be working, no new security patches mean exposure to future attack vectors. Sunset devices in crypto are not like old iPhones — they’re more like unguarded safes. For high-value holders, remaining on an unsupported device could be reckless.

Ledger has not announced a bug bounty or liability clause for exploits affecting Ledger S after sunset.

🌍 Market Reactions & User Sentiment

On social media, reactions range from nostalgia to frustration:

• “Ledger S was my first cold wallet. Sad to see it go.”
• “They should open-source the firmware if they’re ending support.”

While some praise Ledger’s transparency, others express concern over planned obsolescence and the pressure to buy into Ledger’s newer — and sometimes controversial — product lines.

Notably, this comes just months after Ledger faced backlash for its “Ledger Recover” feature, which introduced optional cloud-based seed phrase backups — a proposal that spooked privacy maximalists.

🔮 What This Tells Us About the Industry

The sunsetting of Ledger S reveals:

• The fast pace of crypto hardware obsolescence
• A shift from single-purpose devices to multi-chain, app-integrated wallets
• The growing importance of wallet UX, security, and mobile compatibility

With tokenized assets, cross-chain bridges, and compliance-focused custody growing in scope, hardware wallets will increasingly resemble mini-OS platforms — not just static vaults.

✅ Conclusion: From the S to What’s Next

The end of the Ledger S is a reminder that nothing in crypto — not even cold storage — remains static. For users who have held since the early bull runs, it’s a moment of transition, not just in tech, but in mindset.

In the words of one Readuptor:

“You can’t hold the future in a 320 KB device forever.”

If you’re still clinging to the Ledger S, the message is clear: it’s time to migrate — before your keys go silent in a world that won’t wait.

---

If this article brought you clarity, insight, or value—support the work that made it possible.

At CryptoCaster, we report on Web3, crypto markets, and institutional finance with no billionaire owners, no shareholders, and no hidden agenda. While mainstream media bends toward Elon Musk, BlackRock, and JPMorgan narratives, we stay focused on what matters: truth, transparency, and the public interest.

We don’t just cover the headlines—we investigate the power structures behind them. From FTX and Ripple to the quiet push for CBDCs, we bring fearless reporting that isn’t filtered by corporate interests.

CryptoCaster is 100% paywall-free. Always has been. To keep it that way, we depend on readers like you.
If you believe independent crypto journalism matters, please contribute—starting at just $1 in Bitcoin or Ether. Wallet addresses are below.

Your support keeps us free, bold, and accountable to no one but you.

Thank you,
Kristin Steinbeck
Editor, CryptoCaster

---

---

CRYPTOCASTER HEATMAP