Verizon has decided to support an update that would render its Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones inoperable after initially saying it would not make the update available to its customers.
Samsung released the update, which make the phones unable to charge, in mid-December to encourage the remaining few users to turn in their smartphones, CNET reported. The Galaxy Note 7 has a safety issue that could cause the battery to overheat or even catch fire.
Verizon customers won’t receive the update until Jan. 5 to allow them to get through the holidays able to contact family and friends and make emergency calls if necessary.
Verizon had initially said it wouldn’t make the update available because it would put users who couldn’t switch to another phone at risk, CNET reported.
Samsung issued two recalls of the Galaxy Note 7 in September and October and then ceased production of the smartphone following the second recall.
Verizon has not sold any of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 since the initial recall due to the company's inventory of the smartphone being on back order at the time.