Samsung started executing severe methods to get the final Galaxy Note 7 phones out of customers' hands this week. Users in Canada won't be able to make calls or access the internet in any way by disabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as cell and data service. This move will render phone mostly useless.
That's probably what will happen in the US, as well. According to The Verge, a notice went out to at least one Note 7 owner on US cellular today stating that, "As of December 15th, Samsung will modify the software to prevent the Galaxy Note 7 from charging. The phone will no longer work."
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Owners In The US May Find Their Phones Useless Soon
It's not clear whether Note 7s will be disabled across the major US carriers as well, but it appears likely that'll be the case. In the past, updates deactivating Note 7 features have rolled out across Verizon, AT&T and other carriers within a matter of days. By preventing the phone from charging, Samsung takes the ultimate step to making the phone completely inoperative.
Samsung's Crucial Attempt To Recover All Galaxy Note 7 Phones
It's not yet certain if the message is genuine, as the Korean tech giant and U.S. Cellular haven't made any comments. It is also unclear if the suggested action will extend to the major carriers, though such a move wouldn't come as a surprise. Samsung clearly wants the Galaxy Note 7 out of circulation, and steps have already been taken in Canada and New Zealand to compellingly limit the handset's functionality.
Samsung began limiting the Note 7 in the US last month, employing restrictions that discontinue the phone from charging over 60 percent. Including an update that made a pop-up appear every time the phone's screen was switched on, prompting the owner that the phone has been recalled and needs to be returned, writes Digital Trends.
