Samsung is urging all Galaxy Note 7 owners to power down and return their devices, regardless of whether they're old stock or a "safe" replacement unit. The company has asked all carrier and retailer partners to not only stop Note 7 sales, but to halt the exchange program where customers can replace initial Note 7 handsets for a new "safe" Note 7.
The move follows multiple reports of "safe" Note 7 replacement units spontaneously catching fire in the United States. While the initial batch of Note 7s were said to only overheat while connected to a charger, replacement devices have reportedly been more volatile. In one case, a Note 7 owner had the phone catch fire after he powered it down on a plane. In another, the Note 7 started burning in its owner's hand.
"We are working with relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note 7," said Samsung in a statement. "Because consumers’ safety remains our top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 while the investigation is taking place."
"We remain committed to working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note 7 or replacement Galaxy Note 7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available."
Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and Virgin all announced that they would be pausing their Note 7 replacement programs yesterday, ahead of Samsung's latest statement.
Korean news agency Yonhap is reporting that Samsung has paused Note 7 production while it investigates the recent incidents.
Alex Choros
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