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

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

Impacted units can carry out a manufacturing unit reset to get well performance, however that is not an ideal repair. It ought to make the telephone usable, however any information that hasn’t already been backed up might be misplaced.

In an announcement despatched to Engadget Friday, a spokesperson confirmed the difficulty: “We’re conscious {that a} restricted variety of Galaxy smartphones operating on Android 12 are rebooting repeatedly throughout an replace to the newest model of the SmartThings app,” the spokesperson informed 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 help for his or her units.”

Software program help for older fashions can turn into a problem for any {hardware} producer. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ are 5 years previous now, which is an age the place corporations 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.