Samsung can finally close the chapter of the Galaxy Note 7. Verizon has changed its mind and is finally issuing the last Samsung update for the Galaxy Note 7 to turn the units into bricks effective January 5, 2017. With this, other carriers are also delaying the release of the update to their customers.
CNet notes that Verizon, among the largest carriers in the United States, started a trend. Other large carriers are now following suit. T-mobile will release it on December 28, AT&T on January 5 also, and Sprint on January 8.
Some carriers went with the Samsung schedule of bricking the model by December 19. However, Verizon expressed concerns about customers having no alternative units, especially during Christmas. Thus, the carrier will be releasing this update on January 5. Verizon's recall site notes that this is done because "We want to make sure you can contact family, first responders, and emergency medical professionals during the holiday travel season." In the meantime, Verizon urges customers to "stop using your Note7, upgrade it to another device, and return your Note7 to us."
Samsung had announced that they will be releasing an update on December 19 which will render the units of this model useless. The said update will prevent the units from charging thus letting them turn to glorified paperweights when the batteries run out. This would address the remaining 7% of units that are yet to be returned following the companies recall of the Note 7 in November.
With the rollout of the update to all carriers, the beleaguered Note 7 can stay in history for its infamous exploding batteries, and the problems this has caused users worldwide. Business analysts have said that this would cost Samsung a hefty amount, but the cellphone giant seems to be unfazed so far.
