The Galaxy Note 7 is no more. Samsung confirmed on Tuesday that it would permanently cease production of the problematic device after a botched attempt to recall and replace the units, which had the tendency to overheat and catch fire. It comes only a day after Samsung put production on pause, saying it would be “temporarily adjusting” the schedule. “For the benefit of consumers’ safety, we stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 and have consequently decided to stop production,” said a Samsung spokeswoman.
The move effectively puts an end to one of the worst stretches in Samsung’s history as a consumer electronics company, with multiple incidents that have damaged its brand and credibility with consumers. The Note 7 was supposed to be Samsung’s victory lap after successfully reviving its phone ambitions with the successful Galaxy S7. Instead, it spiraled into a nightmare scenario and has linked the Samsung name with explosive products. While the Note 7 is dead, Samsung still faces the challenge of rehabilitating its image with consumers.
“Consumers with an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note 7 should power down and take advantage of the remedies available,” including a refund at their place of purchase, Samsung said in a statement Monday. “While we continue our active investigation into reports of phones overheating and burning in multiple states, consumers should power down and stop using all Galaxy Note 7s,” CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye said in a statement.
The Note 7 was supposed to be Samsung’s big hitter for the upcoming holiday season and provide Apple with some competition to its recently released iPhone 7. But its short shelf life could leave an opening for rivals such as Apple, which launched its iPhone 7and iPhone 7 Plus weeks after the Note 7. Android fans also have upcoming alternatives such as Google’s high-end Pixel and Pixel XL and LG’s V20.
