Samsung software update limits Note 7 battery capacity to 60% to hopefully reduce explosion risks

Samsung Australia will issue an over-the-air software update to all original Galaxy Note 7 smartphones this week, that will limit the battery to a maximum charge of 60%. This update will automatically download and install itself on all Note 7 devices purchased in Australia (from authorised Samsung retailers) starting from September 21.

The Note 7 update follows Samsung's recall of the handset amid safety concerns. Due to faulty components, there is a chance that the phone's battery can overheat, catch fire, and ultimately, explode. As such, Samsung has temporarily ceased selling the Note 7 in Australia, and is asking customers to hand back their devices as soon as possible.

While Samsung hasn't made any claims, the upcoming software update should hopefully make the initial batch of Note 7 devices a little less explodey. Alternatively, it might just bug Note 7 owners enough to finally return their smartphone. 

"The safety of our customers is our first priority," said Richard Fink, Samsung Australia's Vice President for IT and Mobile. "For this reason, we are working to identify and execute all appropriate measures to protect customer safety. We continue to urge customers who still have an affected Galaxy Note 7 to complete a data back-up and factory reset before powering-down the device and returning it to their place of purchase to seek a replacement Galaxy Note 7 or alternate remedy of their choice."

Samsung Australia has also confirmed that safe replacement units will be available for existing Note 7 owners from September 21. These will be designated by a white sticker with a blue "S" on the box. Additionally, safe to use replacement Note 7 will feature a green battery icon. This will be visible in the notification bar, on the always on display, and on the power down screen. These icons appear as either black or white on unsafe Note 7 devices.

If you own a Note 7 and have yet to send it back to Samsung, Samsung has a recall hub on its website with further instructions. You can either visit your place of purchase, or contact Samsung directly.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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