Samsung confirms a software program replace wreaked havoc on older Galaxy smartphones

Samsung has confirmed that an replace to its SmartThings app triggered main points for older Samsung Galaxy smartphones. 9to5Google first reported that the replace, which rolled out from Samsung over the previous few days, bricked gadgets from the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Notice 10 sequence of telephones. The publication additionally discovered some customers reporting the identical situation with Galaxy M51 and A90 fashions. After downloading the replace, the gadgets reportedly acquired caught in a bootloop and by no means absolutely flip again on.

Impacted gadgets can carry out a manufacturing unit reset to get better performance, however that is not an ideal repair. It ought to make the cellphone usable, however any knowledge that hasn’t already been backed up will likely be misplaced.

In an announcement despatched to Engadget Friday, a spokesperson confirmed the difficulty: “We’re conscious {that a} restricted variety of Galaxy smartphones working on Android 12 are rebooting repeatedly throughout an replace to the most recent model of the SmartThings app,” the spokesperson advised Engadget. “Upon discovery, we instantly suspended the replace and are working to resolve the difficulty. Affected clients can contact the Samsung Contact Heart to obtain assist for his or her gadgets.”

Software program assist for older fashions can change into a problem for any {hardware} producer. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ are 5 years previous now, which is an age the place firms could cease offering common updates.

Replace, October 4, 1:10PM ET: This story was up to date after publish with affirmation and a fuller description of the difficulty from Samsung.