Galaxy Note 7 Explosions May End with New Update

Samsung is busy dealing with their global recall of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, due to devices exploding and catching fire. Today though, we’re hearing the company may send out a software update that should prevent explosions and help the recall process go without further incidents.

Earlier this month Samsung issued a statement confirming that the battery inside the Galaxy Note 7 was faulty, and that some were overheating to the point that the battery could explode and catch fire while charging. Since then they’ve started a product exchange program, stopped selling the phone, and have promised to deliver new “safe” units to owners soon.

Read: 5 Best Galaxy Note 7 Alternatives

On September 2nd just two weeks after the release date the party came crashing down. The Galaxy Note 7 was being called the best smartphone of 2016, praised in reviews, and selling extremely well. Not anymore. If you’re still one of many who own the Galaxy Note 7, read on for more details about an upcoming hot fix software update.

According to Yonhap News, who was first to report the global recall, Samsung is now preparing to issue a software update to select Galaxy Note 7 devices that should prevent explosions and fires caused by the device. The problem is that millions of smartphones were sold, and not all owners know about the recall. As a result some are still using the phone, charging it daily, and more accidents have been reported.

Over the past week a Jeep burned down from a charging Galaxy Note 7, one child burned both of his hands when another exploded, and those are just two of many different reports.

On or around September 20th Samsung will reportedly release an over-the-air software update, starting in South Korea, that will essentially cut the Galaxy Note 7 battery life in half. The company hopes that a software update that will limit the battery to charge only to 60% full will prevent overheating and explosions. It’s a dangerous situation, one they are trying to remedy, and this is aimed at protecting users that still have the phone and don’t know about the recall.

Essentially the Galaxy Note 7 battery is getting hot while charging, which all phones due, but a faulty component inside is degrading and the end result is a phone that may bulge or even explode. These phones are a ticking time-bomb until they can all be replaced. By limiting the battery to a 60% charge the phone won’t get too hot, and Samsung hopes no more devices will ignite.

We still don’t know when or if Samsung will release a similar update for other regions around the globe, but it’s probably a good idea. We’re assuming this will be a mandatory software update that is manually pushed to all devices, but that’s yet to be confirmed. One report suggested Samsung should add a notification into the update, alerting all owners in the notification bar that the device is undergoing a recall, and that it needs to be returned to the place of purchase.

As of right now Samsung’s latest statement strongly advises all owners immediately stop using the phone, don’t attempt to recharge it, and power it off. This update will prevent further accidents for those who aren’t aware of the recall.

We do have good news though, which is that Samsung will reportedly have brand new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones they will distribute to owners starting on September 19th. We’ve heard a similar date before, but most will likely be waiting until early October, as supply will be extremely limited. YonHap News also claims Samsung will be rolling out an apology ad campaign over in the near future.

For now we don’t have any other details, but it looks like things are on the right track. Samsung has an update that could prevent more fires or explosions, new devices are coming soon and more. Stay tuned, and we’ll update as soon as we know more.