Next update will brick every Galaxy Note 7 left in the wild as Samsung acts to stop exploding phones

Samsung’s next update will brick remaining handsets — preventing the phones from charging or working as mobile devices.

A software update will be sent to US versions on December 19 but the date for a similar one to European phones has not been announced.

Two months ago the firm suspended all production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, halted sales worldwide and told customers to stop using the device.

It had already it recalled 2.5 million Note 7s in 10 markets following complaints that its lithium-ion battery exploded while charging.

Samsung has offered financial incentives for people to return the phones, but some users have decided to keep them.

This his caused Samsung to issue a statement for those still using the device.

“Consumer safety remains our highest priority and we’ve had overwhelming participation in the U.S. Note 7 Refund and Exchange Program so far, with more than 93 per cent of all recalled Galaxy Note 7 devices returned,” the statement read.

“To further increase participation, a software update will be released starting on December 19th and will be distributed within 30 days.

“This software update will prevent U.S. Galaxy Note 7 devices from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices.”

This story first appeared on The Sun.