Samsung reportedly remotely deactivating recalled Note 7 units in France after Sept 30 [Update: Refuted]

As we hear more and more about Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 recall, it’s becoming clear that this is all one big mess. Between not originally doing things officially with the CPSC and more units exploding, Samsung is in trouble. Regardless of what the company does, with the CPSC’s involvement or not, there’s one massive obstacle to face: stubborn customers…

Already we’ve seen several people online saying that they won’t send back the phone, but in some cases, they may not have the option. According to a Reddit user in France, Samsung is essentially forcing customers to exchange devices.

While this apparently only applies to France (for now), it seems that Samsung is just outright shipping customers a brand new, non-explosive Galaxy Note 7 in the color they already own. In that same package, Samsung is also throwing in a Gear VR headset and a prepaid package that will allow customers to send back the defective unit free of charge.

Perhaps the most interesting part of this process is what Samsung has planned for any defective units that remain in customer’s hands. Apparently, Samsung is planning to remotely deactivate any recalled Note 7 unit starting on September 30th. While some customers may not be happy about this, I honestly think this is a great way to handle the situation. By sending a new unit ahead of time and deactivating the old one if the customer doesn’t return it, Samsung ensures that those devices don’t cause any harm.

Update 9/12: Since publishing, Android Central has obtained a statement from Samsung regarding this matter and the company has confirmed it is “not something the company stated.” While this would have been a great way to ensure consumer safety, Samsung has made it clear that deactivating devices won’t be happening anytime soon and that all official guidance on the recall will be published on the company’s website.