Samsung Gulf Electronics begins Galaxy Note 7 exchange programme in the UAE and announces battery software update

Dubai, UAE, September 28, 2016:  Samsung Gulf Electronics today announced the start of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 Exchange Programme in the UAE, where customers can begin to exchange their existing device for a brand new Galaxy Note7. 

Customers can visit selected Samsung brand shops* in the UAE to exchange their device until December 31, 2016. In the UAE, customers can also visit a dedicated Samsung Galaxy Note7 exchange location at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Al Ain F meeting room, throughout GITEX Shopper period (October 1st to 8th). 

The start of the Galaxy Note7 Exchange Programme follows Samsung’s decision on September 2 to immediately stop sales and shipments of the Galaxy Note7, after an investigation revealed an issue related to an isolated battery cell. Since initiating the global replacement programme, around 60 percent of customers in the U.S., Korea and Europe have participated in the Galaxy Note7 exchange programme. 

Since this initial investigation, Samsung has worked hard to ensure the highest quality manufacturing and quality assurance processes are in place. Based on a thorough inspection, Samsung is fully confident that the battery issue has been completely resolved in the replacement Galaxy Note7 devices that will be available to customers in the UAE from today. 

Although there have been only a small number of reported incidents, customer safety is Samsung’s absolute priority. In addition to the beginning of the Galaxy Note7 Exchange Programme today, Samsung has also introduced an additional measurement designed to protect customer safety and encourage Galaxy Note7 customers to exchange their device as soon as possible.

Software update for battery charge limit
Samsung issued new software to all Galaxy Note7 devices in the Gulf region that limits the battery charge to 60%. This software was rolled out to existing customers’ devices on September 25th, 2016. By actively limiting the ability of the device to charge to full capacity, Samsung aims to reinforce the message to customers that they should immediately replace their existing device with a new Galaxy Note7.  

Green battery icon
In addition, customers who exchange their existing device for a new Galaxy Note7 will notice an update to the battery icon. Any Galaxy Note7 device that shows a ‘green’ battery icon on the device notification bar, the ‘Power Off’ prompt screen or the Always-On Display can be assured that their device is safe for charging.