UK launch of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 in doubt after reports handsets can catch fire
The UK launch of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 could be in doubt after reports emerged that the replacement handsets are still overheating.
Samsung has revealed it is reducing production of the smartphone after identifying the "battery cell issue" caused by a "rare manufacturing defect".
In a statement, Samsung UK said: "We are temporarily adjusting the Galaxy Note 7 production schedule in order to take further steps to ensure quality and safety matters."
The tech giant did not comment on the UK release date, which had been moved to October 28 as part of the replacement program.
A recall of the phone was ordered by the company in September, on the eve of its launch in the UK, after over 30 reports of devices overheating.
Last month Samsung said it was "confident" that the problem had been overcome and was ready to relaunch the device.
However concerns have since surfaced over other defects within the device aside from the battery cell.
Last week passengers were forced to evacuate from a plane after a replacement device started to emit smoke.
Samsung said that 45,000 Note 7 devices had been sold in Europe through their pre-order campaign with the majority being in the UK. More than 75% had since been replaced with either a Note 7 or another Samsung handset.
On Sunday the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advised all Samsung Galaxy Note7 owners to "power them down and stop charging or using the device."