UPDATE: Samsung has issued a worldwide recall for the Galaxy Note 7.
Samsung has officially issued a worldwide recall for the Galaxy Note 7. International sales have been halted immediately, and the brand has clarified that all devices sold will be replaced.
The recall comes amidst reports that the device might explode. Samsung pins the fault within the Note 7’s irremovable battery – while the issue affects only a small percentage of devices, the brand has stated that the risk of units spontaneously combusting is too great to ignore.
Over 35 customers thus far have reported an explosion, leaving an unprecedented number of consumers at risk.
We’ll continue providing updates as the story develops. Our original article continues below.
New reports have indicated that Samsung might opt to issue an unprecedented international recall of its new phablet, the Galaxy Note 7.
If you’re one of the lucky few who has managed to get their hands on Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7, don’t get too attached. After news circulated that the device was found to have exploded earlier this week, new reports suggest that Samsung is gearing up to announce a recall.
The move would be an unprecedented development for the Korean company, and one that would undoubtedly hinder its ability to compete when its closest rival – Apple – takes to the stage to unveil what could be the next iPhone on September 7th.
Read: Samsung delays Galaxy Note 7 shipments after reports of exploding batteries
Yonhap News Agency – a Korean media house – reports that Samsung is concluding its own internal investigation as to why a Note 7 might spontaneously combust. Yonhap’s source mentions that while ‘less than 0.1 percent’ of devices sold are affected by the fault, the error has been pinned to the device’s irremovable internal battery.
The announcement could come next week for a number of reasons. Firstly, it would give Samsung the time it needs to make a proper investigation. Secondly, it would help the company dodge the press as one of the world’s largest trade shows – IFA – continues in Berlin.
The Note 7 has thus far been launched in ten countries, and is available in limited quantities in South Africa at certain Vodacom stores and resellers.
Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Launch – as it happened
Early critical appraisals of the Note 7 have been overwhelmingly positive, and we were eagerly looking forward to getting our hands on the device for a full review. We’ll continue to report as developments progress and Samsung reaches an official decision.
What are your thoughts? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
