Popular smartphone is banned on all US flights over explosion risk

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7, released in 2016, was banned from all U.S. flights after reports of the phones overheating, emitting popping sounds, and in some cases, catching fire due to battery issues. This led the U.S. Department of Transportation, alongside the FAA and other agencies, to issue an emergency order prohibiting the phone from being transported on any flights to, from, or within the country. Samsung recalled 2.5 million units and acknowledged faults in the battery design and manufacturing process, resulting in an estimated £4.3 billion loss.

A 2017 investigation revealed the cause was poor battery insulation and design flaws that left little space for the battery’s components. Despite the phone being nearly a decade old, the controversy has resurfaced on TikTok, where users are sharing content about the ban and recalling the device’s dangers. Some express surprise that people still use the outdated phone, while others reference the numerous viral videos showing the battery failures. At the time, Samsung halted all sales of the Note 7 and committed to customer safety as their top priority.