Galaxy Note 7 may be remotely disabled by Samsung in the US next week

Samsung's exchange and refund program for the Galaxy Note 7 has been running for a couple of months now and the company has been able to recover most of the units that it shipped out. However, there are many who still continue to use the ill-fated flagship and that's an issue for Samsung. It has been taking some steps recently to get those units back as well, we've seen the company work with local carriers in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada to end network access for the Galaxy Note 7. According to a new report, Samsung is going to take it a step further in the United States by sending out an update next week which will remotely disable the Galaxy Note 7.

At least one Galaxy Note 7 users on US Cellular has received an alert stating that “As of December 15th, Samsung will modify the software to prevent the Galaxy Note 7 from charging. The phone will no longer work.” Similar reports haven't come in as yet from subscribers of the four major networks in the country but if Samsung is going to take this step then it's highly likely that Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint will be on board as well.

Samsung has already released an update in the United States a few weeks ago that limits the handset from charging the battery past 60 percent. It also displays a pop-up every time the phone's screen is turned on which reminds users that the handset has been recalled and needs to be returned.

The company has previously been cutting network access to the Galaxy Note 7, it wouldn't become completely useless, if this update is sent out next week Galaxy Note 7 owners in the United States won't be able to get much use out of their handset. They'll be left with a very expensive paperweight.

Adnan Farooqui - Executive Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: SGH-E900

Adnan Farooqui is a long-term writer at SamMobile. Based in Pakistan, his interests include technology, finance, Swiss watches and Formula 1. His tendency to write long posts betrays his inclination to being a man of few words.

Via Phone Galaxy Note 7