14 DAY TRIAL // UPDATE: Samsung has refuted the rumor saying that Galaxy Note 7 units that aren't returned until September 30 will be disabled remotely. The information appeared on Android Central.
It's been more than a week since Samsung announced the recall and the company issued multiple statements advising Galaxy Note 7 owners to power down their units and return them to the point of purchase. It might take some time until owners will see replacement units.
A Reddit user posted information suggesting that Samsung could deactivate Galaxy Note 7 units that aren't returned until September 30. Indeed, two days ago Samsung posted a statement on its News page emphasizing how important it is for Galaxy Note 7 owners to immediately power down their devices and return them.
The main motivation behind a deactivation measure would be that, although a recall was announced, cases of batteries catching fire continue to surface. Just yesterday, a 6-year-old boy from Brooklyn suffered minor burns after his Galaxy Note 7 smartphone burst into flames.
The boy was watching videos on the smartphone when it started to overheat. The fire was big enough to set off alarms in his grandmother's home and, fortunately, the boy didn't require extensive medical care.
Shipments of new Galaxy Note 7 units could start in about a week
Samsung is looking to recall about 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 units worldwide and the process is different depending on the country.
US customers can switch to a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge if they wish and they will also receive a $25 gift card from Samsung. However, it's unknown when new Galaxy Note 7 units will arrive in the US, since Samsung is also awaiting approval for new units from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In many European countries, the new Galaxy Note 7 units will start arriving on September 19 or September 21.
The news of deactivation isn't official and it remains at the stage of rumor until Samsung makes a statement on the matter.