Samsung AI fridges shut down after faulty update in South Korea

Some Samsung smart refrigerators in South Korea have stopped working after a faulty software update was delivered through SmartThings.

Owners reported that their appliances lost refrigeration, interior lighting, and touch-pad functionality almost immediately after the update. The Bespoke AI 4-Door Refrigerator appears to be the model most affected, while ZDNET Korea reported that an internal testing software version may have been released by mistake.

Samsung acknowledged the error and paused the update. The company said it would send engineers during the Chuseok holiday period, but affected users have reported that appointments may only be available after the holiday ends.

One user told SBS News in South Korea, via Google Translate, that they might have to throw away food purchased for the holiday. Samsung has not disclosed how many customers are affected, and no compensation for spoiled food has been announced.

Some owners have tried dry ice and ice boxes to keep food cool. Rolling back the update, restarting the refrigerators, and removing and reconnecting them through SmartThings have reportedly failed. The update appears to have been stopped before reaching Samsung refrigerator customers outside South Korea, although the source says this has not helped those already affected.