Samsung puts Galaxy Note 7 out of its misery

The Galaxy Note 7 is no more.

Samsung confirmed Tuesday that it will permanently cease production of the problematic devices after a botched attempt to recall and replace the phones, which were overheating and, in some cases, catching fire. The announcement comes only a day after Samsung put production on pause, saying it would be "temporarily adjusting" the schedule.

"For the benefit of consumers' safety, we stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 and have consequently decided to stop production," said a Samsung spokeswoman.

The move effectively caps one of the worst stretches in Samsung's history as a consumer electronics company.

The Note 7 was expected to propel Samsung to a victory lap after the company successfully revived its phone ambitions with the Galaxy S7. Instead, the Note 7's release became a nightmare and linked the Samsung name with dangerous products. While the Note 7 is dead, Samsung still faces the challenge of repairing the damage to its brand and its credibility with consumers.

The Note 7 was a source of problems from the get-go. Safety concerns meant the company had to issue a recall for early versions of the phone after its mid-August launch and put an exchange program in place. But multiple instances of the replacement phones exhibiting the same problems with batteries overheating led to this shutdown.

On Monday evening, Samsung and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission both recommended that consumers shut the phones off immediately. This came after the US carriers all ceased selling the phone, instead recommending that its customers switch to an entirely different device.

"Consumers with an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note 7 should power down and take advantage of the remedies available," including a refund at their place of purchase, Samsung said in a statement Monday.

"While we continue our active investigation into reports of phones overheating and burning in multiple states, consumers should power down and stop using all Galaxy Note 7s," CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye said in a statement.

The Note 7 was expected to be Samsung's big hitter for the upcoming holiday-shopping season and provide Apple with real competition. But its short shelf life will leave an opening for Apple, which launched its iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus just weeks after the Note 7. Android fans also have upcoming alternatives such as Google's high-end Pixel and Pixel XL and LG's V20.

First published October 11, 4:05 a.m. PT.
Update, 5:13 a.m. PT: Further clarification from Samsung and more background added.