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Samsung planning to release a Galaxy Note 7 update that limits its battery to 60%

Samsung has announced today to provide an update on the Note 7 debacle, saying that almost 85% of all recalled Galaxy Note 7 devices have now been replaced through its exchange program. You would think the Korean company would rather just pretend like nothing happened at this point, but I guess these numbers aren’t that bad — 85% is a good majority.

But it looks like that number is about to inch its way even higher, as Samsung now says that it plans to push out a software update that effectively cripples remaining Note 7 devices that the brave loyalists out there refuse to give up…

The following statement was provided to us today by a Samsung spokesperson:

As of today, nearly 85 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 devices have been replaced through the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program, with the majority of the participants opting to receive another Samsung smartphone.

We remain focused on collecting the outstanding Galaxy Note7 phones in the market. To further drive participation, we will be releasing a software update in the coming days that will limit the phone’s ability to charge beyond 60 percent, as well as issue a reminder pop-up notification every time a consumer charges, reboots or turns on the screen of their Note7 device.

Any Galaxy Note7 owner who has not yet participated in the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program should immediately power down their phone and contact their carrier or retailer today.

If you’re still holding onto your Galaxy Note 7 because it’s statistically unlikely that you’ll actually have a explosion-prone device — which might be somewhat true — Samsung is about to start hounding you to until you take it in. That is, if you’re actually using the phone. I know a few people who won’t return it just in case it becomes a collector’s item in the future, in which case this update won’t matter.

But just like the company has recommended in the past, you’re probably best off just turning that phone off if you’re still using it and contact your carrier. I mean, at this point there are plenty of options that are about as good as the Note 7. The Pixel XL, for one, would be a great choice if you’re wanting to stick with Android. Or if you were an Android convert in the first place, there’s no harm in just sticking with the iPhone 7. I will say, though, that the Pixel is compelling — even for iPhone diehards.

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Avatar for Stephen Hall Stephen Hall

Stephen is Growth Director at 9to5. If you want to get in touch, follow me on Twitter. Or, email at stephen (at) 9to5mac (dot) com, or an encrypted email at hallstephenj (at) protonmail (dot) com.