Samsung to Permanently Disable Galaxy Note 7 in US Next Week

By Precious Gem de Peralta
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Display, Target 9/2016
Samsung will be releasing an update to the remaining Galaxy Note 7 devices on Dec. 15 that will prevent the phone from charging. Thus, one the battery drains, it can no longer be used.  Mike Mozart / Flickr

You might want to return or have your Galaxy Note 7 replaced if you haven't yet. Apparently, Samsung is planning to release a software update that might permanently disable your device. It will prevent the Galaxy Note 7 from charging. Thus, rendering the smartphone unusable once the battery drains.

According to a report from The Verge, the Korean-based tech company has sent alert to at least one Note 7 owner on US Cellular. Based on the statement, Samsung is definitely keen on encouraging users of disposing their phone altogether in exchange of another device. On that message, the smartphone maker said, "As of December 15th, Samsung will modify the software to prevent the Galaxy Note 7 from charging. The phone will no longer work."

Though it is unclear if it's only limited to US Cellular. Given the actions Samsung have been carrying out regarding its Galaxy Note 7 that have not been recalled yet, it is highly probable that they will do it with other US carriers too like Verizon and AT&T. The Verge further reported that Samsung declined to comment while US Cellular would "not respond to a request for comment".

This will not be the first time that Samsung will conduct such restrictions to the remaining Galaxy Note 7 phones in the hands of their owners. Samsung recently notified Canadian users of deactivating the service of the Note 7 devices. They will not be able to get any cell and data services by Dec. 15. The phone will no longer be capable of sending and receiving SMS, as well as making calls. Other measures also include limiting battery charge and disabling WiFi and Bluetooth functions that will be implemented starting Dec. 12.

As of the moment, there is still around 10 percent Note 7 devices in the Canadian market that have not been returned or exchanged yet. In the US, Samsung released an update last Nov. 4 that 85 percent of Note 7s had been returned. The company has previously made the phones in the US to stop from charging beyond 60 percent. Furthermore, owners were also constantly reminded of the Note 7 recall with a pop-up whenever the screen was turned on.

Samsung is yet to release the result of their investigation regarding their defective product. Sources have already revealed that this will likely be made public before the year ends. There are also rumors that though the Note 7 has met its demise, the Note family line may still continue. Aside from the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8, there might be also a Galaxy Note 8 next year.

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