14 DAY TRIAL // A few days ago, we caught word that major US carriers are planning to release a software update for Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7, in an attempt to brick the phones and make them unusable. The move came after Samsung announced it would start the rollout of a software update to prevent Note 7 phones from charging and connecting to any mobile network.
Samsung plans to release the update on December 19, but only to unlocked Note 7 units. T-Mobile will be the first major US carrier to push out such an update on December 27, with AT&T following on January 5, 2017, and Sprint on January 8, 2017.
Last week, Verizon was against releasing such a software update for the sake of customers who might be using the device during the holidays. But the major US carrier seems to have changed its mind and has recently announced on its FAQ page that it will indeed push the software update to Note 7 devices on January 5, 2017.
The update will prevent Note 7 phones from charging
The update would prevent the phone’s battery from charging and block the device’s access to any mobile network. Verizon wishes to provide its customers with the possibility to use their Note 7 phones during the holidays, especially since many will be traveling to other cities or countries.
Verizon stated on its FAQ page, “We want to make sure you can contact family, first responders, and emergency medical professionals during the holiday travel season.”
Verizon still urges customers to stop using their Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, upgrade to another device, and return the units to stores. 93% of the recalled Galaxy Note 7 units have already been returned, while the rest will be rendered safe during the first month of next year, following the software update.