Samsung reveals when it'll start exchanging recalled Galaxy Note 7s in the UK

Samsung reveals when it'll start exchanging recalled Galaxy Note 7s in the UK

UK + Irish Galaxy Note 7 owners can begin exchanging their devices from September 19

Update: We've added Samsung's statement on new Note 7 sales below.

Following last week's announcement of a global recall of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 handsets after battery fires and explosions in a handful of units, the manufacturer has given more details on how the recall program will work in the UK and Ireland.

Samsung halted the rollout of the Note 7 in the UK before the Sept. 2 street date, meaning only a handful of pre-order customers will have received units. Nevertheless, those phones still need to be rounded up and replaced.

As in other countries, Samsung is working with carriers and retail partners to exchange Note 7s that may have battery issues with new, safe units.

"For UK customers who have Galaxy Note7 devices, Samsung in collaboration with its partners and operators, will voluntarily replace their current device with a new one.

"UK customers who have Galaxy Note7 devices will be contacted by the provider or operator from which they purchased the product in order to arrange their device exchange. The exchange of units will begin from 19 September 2016."

September 19 is the start date for the first replacement Galaxy Note 7s arriving, and Samsung says this will be its main priority before recommencing sales of new handsets. A Samsung spokesperson told AC: "Our first priority is to support current Note7 owners who are participating in the Product Exchange Program. We will confirm new in store dates shortly."

So there's still a fighting chance Samsung could get the Note 7 on European store shelves ahead of Apple's iPhone 7, but the exact timing remains uncertain.

MORE: Everything you need to know about the Note 7 recall