Approximately half of the one million recalled Galaxy Note 7 handsets have been returned, Samsung announced Thursday. The manufacturer also claimed most consumers are opting to exchange the old models for new Galaxy Note 7 models, which have been available since Wednesday.
Samsung’s recall fiasco is rapidly coming to a close with 500,000 new Galaxy Note 7 handsets now available in the U.S. Samsung expects to have 60 to 70 percent of the old models off the market by next week. Samsung is expected to send out continuous notifications to consumers still using old Galaxy Note 7 models, prompting them to return or exchange the handset until it is submitted. New, safer Galaxy Note 7 handsets on the market are distinguishable by their green battery indicator icons.
While many carriers, such as Sprint, have already begun selling the safer handsets without exchanges, new supplies should be available to the general public from carriers next week. An official retail relaunch of the Galaxy Note 7 will take place Oct. 21.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 replacements are also underway in other markets. Reports indicate that 70 perfect of recalled Note 7s have already been returned in Canada. But many others may have to wait some time. The Galaxy Note 7 is set to return to store shelves in Korea Sept. 28, while Australia and Singapore will get new stocks in October. The Galaxy Note 7 is expected to return to the U.K. in November, according to Reuters .
Samsung has stated it plans to continue with its original marketing strategy for the Galaxy Note 7 and expects to make up for any losses as much as possible by 2017. Many analysts agree the Galaxy Note 7 recall likely won’t affect Samsung negatively in the long run.
