Next update will BRICK every Galaxy Note 7 left in the wild as Samsung acts to stop exploding phones
Samsung will be issuing a software update that will prevent the handsets from charging or working as mobile devices
GALAXY Note 7 smartphones which were recalled after reports of handsets exploding will be officially "bricked" and rendered useless.
Samsung's next update will brick remaining handsets - preventing the phones from charging or working as mobile devices.
A software update will be sent to US versions on December 19 but the date for a similar one to European phones has not been announced.
Two months ago the firm suspended all production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, halted sales worldwide and told customers to stop using the device.
It had already it recalled 2.5 million Note 7s in 10 markets following complaints that its lithium-ion battery exploded while charging.
Samsung has offered financial incentives for people to return the phones, but some users have decided to keep them, according to .
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A statement from the company said: "Consumer safety remains our highest priority and we’ve had overwhelming participation in the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program so far, with more than 93 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 devices returned.
To further increase participation, a software update will be released starting on December 19th and will be distributed within 30 days. This software update will prevent U.S. Galaxy Note7 devices from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices."
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