Upcoming software update will render all Samsung Note 7s useless
On December 19, Samsung will release a software update to all remaining Note 7 devices in the US that will stop the devices from working.
According to the update posted December 9 on Samsung's recall website, 93 percent of all recalled Note 7 devices in the US have been returned.
The impending software update will stop the Note 7 from charging, and "eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices." In other words, the Note 7 is about to become a paperweight.
Update: Following Samsung's announcement this morning, Verizon Wireless issued a statement of its own. "Verizon will not be taking part in this update because of the added risk this could pose to Galaxy Note7 users that do not have another device to switch to," the statement said.
The remaining three major US carriers are listed below, along with the date each company will push out the update.
- T-Mobile: December 27
- AT&T: January 5
- Sprint: January 8
Samsung originally recalled the device in September after reports of its latest smartphone catching fire and exploding.
For those still clutching on to the Note 7, you are asked to power it down and return it to the carrier or retail outlet you originally purchased the device from.
The full text of today's update is below:
Consumer safety remains our highest priority and we've had overwhelming participation in the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program so far, with more than 93 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 devices returned.
To further increase participation, a software update will be released starting on December 19th that will prevent U.S. Galaxy Note7 devices from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices.
If you have not yet returned your device, you should immediately power it down and contact your carrier to obtain a refund or exchange.