The Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Image: Samsung
Following the disastrous launch of the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung has revealed it is to roll out a software update in the coming weeks that will reduce the device’s battery capacity to 60pc to prevent future explosions.
Shortly after the launch of the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung was faced with a number of reports from users of exploding batteries, which the company has now blamed on a battery cell issue.
In the days that followed, the company issued a global recall on its latest flagship device, urging owners to replace their Galaxy Note 7s as soon as possible.
Now, fearing more potential explosions among device owners who have yet to seek replacements, Samsung is set to release a software update that will reduce the battery’s charging capacity to just 60pc.
According to the Associated Press, Samsung ran a large front page advert on one of South Korea’s largest newspapers confirming the software update, which will roll out in the country on 20 September.
A ‘desperate measure’
Ahead of a global roll out of the software update, Samsung has entered discussions with a number of global mobile carriers to determine when this will be feasible.
In the meantime, Samsung has issued statements to its various markets – including Ireland and the UK – stating that it has stopped shipping affected Galaxy Note 7 devices, and that current owners will be able to exchange the device for a new one from 19 September.
Samsung’s decision to limit the battery’s capacity has been described as a “desperate measure” by BNP Paribas analyst Peter Yu.
The stock market has not responded well to Samsung’s major recall, with news that the company’s shares fell to their lowest level in some time, and €12.7bn wiped from the company’s market capitalisation on 12 September.
