Samsung is going to severely limit the Galaxy Note 7’s battery capacity for UK customers through an upcoming software update.
On December 15, Samsung plans to roll out a new software update that will cap Galaxy Note 7 handset’s maximum charge at 30%. That means customers almost certainly won’t be able to get a full day’s usage out of the phone – if they haven’t already replaced it.
Samsung hopes that the new update will help protect users from the hazardous handsets. For the unaware, Samsung was forced to recall the Galaxy Note 7 just one month after it launched due to widespread user reports of the phones spontaneously catching fire. After seemingly fixing the problem, Samsung then had to issue a second and final recall, as it emerged that the problem still wasn’t solved. Samsung no longer makes the phone, and asks that all customers turn their handsets off indefinitely.
This impending update is a clear attempt to prompt users to switch off their phones for good and return them to Samsung for culling:
“As part of our absolute focus on consumer safety, from 15th December, all Galaxy Note 7 devices will receive a new battery software update that will limit the maximum charging capacity to 30 percent. This software update is designed to further minimise customer risk and reinforce to customers to replace their device through the Galaxy Note 7 Replacement Programme as soon as possible.”
In a statement released today, Samsung apologised for the fiery phone fiasco:
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While the upcoming update may seem drastic, Samsung is taking even more aggressive measures in other regions. Samsung has already shut off network access for customers in New Zealand and Canada. And the company has since announced plans to cut off the cellular network capability of all Galaxy Note 7 handsets in the USA, which means owners won’t be able to make or take phone calls, send texts, or access mobile internet.
However, US network carrier Verizon has confirmed it won’t be taking part in Samsung’s stateside shutdown, saying:
“Verizon will not be taking part in this update because of the added risk this could pose to Galaxy Note 7 users that do not have another device to switch to. We will not push a software upgrade that will eliminate the ability for the Note 7 to work as a mobile device in the heart of the holiday travel season. We do not want to make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation.”
If you need to speak to customer support in the UK, here’s how you can contact the retailer you purchased your phone from:
- Samsung Shop – 0330 726 7467
- Carphone Warehouse – 0370 111 6565
- EE – 150 (Mobile)
- Vodafone – 191 (Mobile) or 0333 304 0191 (Landline)
- Three – 0800 358 04045
- O2 – 0333 234 1457
If you bought your Note 7 from a retailer that isn’t on the list, you can contact Samsung’s customer support on 0330 726 1000.
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Do you think Samsung’s recent tactical updates are a good idea? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
