Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Samsung

2026-07-06T13:33:41Z

Cxandru: /* Incidents */ Add vendor lock-in Samsung notes practices paragraph.

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Large manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.
|Founded=1938
|Industry=Manufacturing congolomerate
|Logo=Samsung Black icon.png
|CompanyAlias=Samsung Group
|Type=Public
|Website=https://samsung.com/
}}

{{Wplink|Samsung Group}} is a international conglomerate founded in 1938. Their product portfolio ranges from consumer electronics to heavy equipment. The company is best known to consumers for their electronics such as televisions and mobile phones, as well as their home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

==Consumer impact summary==
===Repairability===
Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Head |first=Scott |date=23 May 2024 |title=We’re Ending Our Samsung Collaboration |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217192708/https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,{{Citation needed}} and former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Samsung authorized repair is a clown show; why good technicians reject authorization |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>[[File:Samsung alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33385a S24 Ultra Lcd No Frame |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250910131601/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |archive-date=10 Sep 2025}}</ref>|thumb|363x363px]]
*The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=24 Sep 2020 |title=What You Should Know Before You Fix: Samsung Phones |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250911024225/https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Matthew |date=12 Mar 2021 |title=There was hope Samsung had turned a corner in repairability, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a step backwards |url=https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918190307/https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref>
*Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=23 May 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=404media.co |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216195434/https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=23 May 2024 |title=The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse |url=https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210205721/https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3" /> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=OLED Assembly Without Frame Compatible For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G (Service Pack) (All Colors) |url=https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |website=mobilesentrix.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204203115/https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</ref>''') than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have '''allegedly''' purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=8 May 2019 |title=Why Samsung and iPhone X Screens Are Too Expensive to Fix |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904143805/https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays," according to a former Samsung authorized technician.{{Citation needed}} "With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new."<ref name=":5" />
**Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:Samsung no product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33544a A/S Repair Kit-Oled(Comm),Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708191450/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh59-15734a Con To Con Fpcb-Frc_S928u;Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250901020137/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |archive-date=1 Sep 2025}}</ref> for said model.
***Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.<ref name=":3" /> An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |website=gsmarena.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116024124/https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.<ref name=":4" />
*Newer Samsung TV models have parts with encrypted keys which lock parts to a specific TV set. Service personnel have to enter a passcode to "unlock" major parts when they are replaced, therefore requiring Samsung's permission and potentially restricting the use of second hand parts or even preventing repair of TVs.<ref>{{Cite web |author=TV repair community. |date=2026-03-26 |title=they won't win. Its now getting personal. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q95mb3YXKbw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q95mb3YXKbw |archive-date=15 Apr 2026 |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=YouTube}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS
|}

===Bootloader unlocking===
[[Bootloader unlocking|Unlocking the bootloader]] of an Android device allows tech-savvy users to install a custom [https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Android ROM] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250822103721/https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Archived]), which replaces the whole system of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Custom firmware |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware#Android |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Wikipedia |publisher=Wikipedia contributors |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202203145/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref><sup>← {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Verifiability#Wikipedia_and_sources_that_mirror_or_use_it|[Wikipedia reference!]}}</sup> Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this feature comes with many restrictions:<ref>{{cite web |author=TaxesAreAwful |website=[[Reddit]] |title=Unlock Bootloader For Newer Samsung Devices in US/CA??? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/ |url-status=live |date=13 Oct 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215233758/https://old.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/ |archive-date=2026-02-15}}</ref>

*When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped if users decided to flash an unsigned file from Samsung, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: [https://www.samsungknox.com/en/solutions/personal-apps/secure-folder Secure Folder], [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-wallet/ Samsung Wallet], [https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/samsung-pass Samsung Pass] and [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-health/ Samsung Health]. If an unsigned file haven't been flashed when the bootloader was unlocked, re-locking the bootloader re-gains all KNOX functionalities. These restrictions apply even after re-locking the bootloader after the KNOX E-fuse has been tripped, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its after-market value.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Mar 2025 |title=Trusted Computing Platform |url=https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=Samsung Knox Documentation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251223091227/https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>
*In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Install LineageOS on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) |url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=LineageOS Wiki |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115337/https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=TheOnewhoFixes |title=Bootloader version not compatible with instructions? |website=[[Reddit]] |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/comment/jabng43/?context=3 |url-status=live |date=23 Feb 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224112222/https://old.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3 |archive-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Nov 2022 |title=Why is my device so slow |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904213328/https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=mi0zz |title=How can I speed up Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2019? |website=[[Reddit]] |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/ |url-status=live |date=14 Nov 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231114181136/https://old.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/ |archive-date=2023-11-14 }}</ref>
*Devices that have shipped with OneUI 8 stable (which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7) or that will be updated to OneUI 8 stable already had or will have their bootloader unlocking mechanisms removed, even if the device was purchased outside of the US and Canada. This makes it impossible to downgrade or flash a new OS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |author=salvo_giangri |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from One UI 8.0 |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |url-status=live |website=XDA developers |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210142144/https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*
'''Category: Home appliances'''
*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>{{Cite web |title=Right to Repair |url=https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=pirg.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128160224/https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricting Access to Parts, Tools, and Documentation |url=https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=repair.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231183350/https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit

https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260304103110/https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation Archived])

The investigation by US PIRG, iFixit and Repair.org https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2022-0061-0033 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260415172718if_/https://downloads.regulations.gov/FTC-2022-0061-0033/attachment_2.pdf Archived])

Which is sourced from the below letter to the united states FTC

https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251022150501/https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation Archived])</ref>
*Repair.org surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Paul |date=8 Feb 2023 |title=Appliance Repair Pros Struggle to Find LG and Samsung Documentation |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907182826/https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Refusal to implement feature requests===
Samsung has refused to implement features highly requested by its user base on several occasions.

For example, a highly requested feature has been an option to always open the rear camera when the camera application is launched, regardless of which camera was in use when the camera application was last exited, to prevent the front camera from opening, resulting in missed pictures.

A "settings to remember" page already exists in the camera settings, but it only includes a setting for the camera '''mode''' (Photo, Video, ...), not the camera '''side''' (rear, front).

In October 2020, a Samsung representative stated "We are taking this as your suggestion. Thanks for providing your valuable suggestion and your suggestion is very important for us". As of late 2025, Samsung has not implemented this feature.<ref>{{cite web |author=AlGore |title=How to always start rear camera when opening Camera app |website=Samsung Community Forum |date=24 Oct 2020 |url=https://r1.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s/how-to-always-start-rear-camera-when-opening-camera-app/td-p/7402229 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510073646/https://r1.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s/how-to-always-start-rear-camera-when-opening-camera-app/td-p/7402229 |archive-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>

Another highly requested feature was for Samsung's web browser "Samsung Internet" to store saved pages in the download folder without [[data lock-in]]. This was requested at least since 2020, yet the request has not been acted upon as of late 2025. Some users have stored thousands of web pages using Samsung Internet before realizing they are unable to create backups or move them to external storage.<ref>{{cite web |author=Elfhealer |title=Regarding saved webpages |website=Samsung Developer Forum |date=23 June 2020 |url=https://forum.developer.samsung.com/t/regarding-saved-webpages/5304/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250806152342/https://forum.developer.samsung.com/t/regarding-saved-webpages/5304/1 |archive-date=2025-08-06}}</ref>

As of 2025, the pre-installed camera software on Samsung smartphones is unable to turn on the device's built-in rear LED '''continuously''' in photo mode, even though this had been requested before and would be easy for Samsung to implement. This forces the user to rely on third-party applications to be able to use a built-in device feature that the hardware already is capable of, or use an external light source.

A continuous torch light in photo mode has various uses such adjusting camera settings such as focus and exposure in close-up shots in darkness, QR code scanning in darkness with no external light source, and higher eye comfort compared to the short flash. Xiaomi smartphones have had this feature since the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web |author=Roger21101979 |title=Taschenlampe soll brennen wenn ein Foto geschossen wird |url=https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s24-serie/taschenlampe-soll-brennen-wenn-ein-foto-geschossen-wird/td-p/10439198 |date=8 Aug 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0416-0228-52/https://eu.community.samsung.com:443/t5/galaxy-s24-serie/taschenlampe-soll-brennen-wenn-ein-foto-geschossen-wird/td-p/10439198 |archive-date=2026-04-16}}</ref>

SmartSwitch for PC is now only available via the Windows Store. This updated version is not compatible with older Samsung phones thus syncing with Outlook is no longer possible. Samsung's response to this is that this user's phone is "old and unreliable" despite the fact that it was syncing perfectly just prior to the update of SmartSwitch for PC. When asked if an older version of SmartSwitch can be provided their reponse is "We can't do that." So, yet another example of attempts to force obsolescence of working hardware.

===Arbitrary restrictions===
Samsung sometimes imposes restrictions on their users that are technically not necessary. Two examples of such restrictions are on the Galaxy A series, the the lack of a manual flash option at the highest photo resolution of 50 or 64 megapixels depending on the model, meaning only automatic flash is possible, as well as the inability to set the resolution to 50 or 64 megapixels in manual mode.{{Citation needed}}

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:Samsung|Samsung category]].

===Samsung self-repair program restrictions===
{{Main|Samsung self-repair program restrictions}}

The [[terms of use]] provided to independent repair shop in exchange for parts has intrusive clauses regarding customer data and reporting of third-party components, which suggests forced disassembly when those components are used. The pricing structure of Samsung's self-repair program frequently makes repairs economically impractical. The high costs of official replacement parts, coupled with forced bundling of components, mean that purchasing a single replacement part is often more expensive than buying a working used device. Additionally, Samsung's repair program imposes severe limitations on independent repair shops, effectively preventing them from providing cost-effective, high-quality repair options.

===Samsung sued over S22 performance throttling===
{{Main|Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle}}

In 2022, with the launch of their S22 line, it was discovered that Samsung's phones were {{Wplink|Computer cooling|thermal throttling}} while performing regular tasks. This was due to Samsung's Gaming Operation Service (GOS) software causing the phone to perform worse than expected across 10,000 different games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=9 Mar 2022 |title=Samsung answers questions about throttling in Galaxy S22 and other flagships |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gos-faq-3130847/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250914182245/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gos-faq-3130847/ |archive-date=14 Sep 2025|access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> Citizens of South Korea filed a class-action lawsuit against Samsung on the basis of these claims and the court ultimately ruled in favor of Samsung.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Han Zhuhong |date=12 Jun 2025 |title='Controversy over performance' Galaxy S22 joint lawsuit, first trial Samsung Electronics wins (total) |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250612056051004?section=search |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903020235/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250612056051004?section=search |archive-date=3 Sep 2025|access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=Yonhap News}}</ref>

===Discontinuation of support for Gear smartwatches===
Samsung [[Discontinuation bricking|completely removed support]] for it's Tizen-based Gear smartwatches in more recent Galaxy smartphones, completely preventing users of these devices (such as the Gear S, Gear S3, and Gear Sport) from connecting to these newer phones. Users of these smartwatches were notified of this change from a pop-up message in the Galaxy Wearable app.<ref>{{cite web |author=theavrocanadian |title= Seems like all Gear S3 models will not be supported on Samsung phones released after 2024 |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/18dgzhg/seems_like_all_gear_s3_models_will_not_be/ |date=8 Dec 2023 |url-status=live |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240930045916/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/18dgzhg/seems_like_all_gear_s3_models_will_not_be/ |archive-date=2024-09-30}}</ref> In addition, Samsung [[Storefront shutdown|terminated Galaxy Store support]] for these devices, suspending sales of paid content on September 30th, 2024, downloads of free content on June 25th, 2025 and lastly; any downloads of all owned content on September 30th, 2025. Per Samsung's ToS, no refunds for paid content were to be issued.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tizen Watch Service Termination Schedule(update) |url=https://seller.samsungapps.com/notice/getNoticeDetail.as?csNoticeID=0000009034 |date=7 Aug 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207134801/https://seller.samsungapps.com/notice/getNoticeDetail.as?csNoticeID=0000009034 |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref>

Despite Samsung's dubious claim that "quality" was the reason for pulling support for Gear smartwatches on newer devices, several users found the inability for the watches to connect is merely a software-level restriction that can be circumvented by installing an older version of the Galaxy Wearable app and installing additional plugins if necessary.<ref>{{cite web |author=XH64bit |title=[GUIDE] Get the Gear S working with new Galaxy phones |website=XDA Forums |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ |url-status=live |date=5 Nov 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260129224905/https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ |archive-date=2026-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ |website=[[Reddit]] |author=Fraggin-Basctich |title=Anyone gotten this to work on S24? |date=29 Jan 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250323032847/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ |archive-date=2025-03-23}}</ref>

===Ads in Family Hub refrigerators (''September 2025—Present'')===
{{Main|Samsung ads in refrigerators}}
On September 16, 2025, [[Reddit]] user <code>u/angrycatmeowmeow</code> posted screenshots of a software update changelog for their Samsung Family Hub refrigerator that explicitly mentioned the addition of advertisements to the Cover Screen display.<ref>{{cite web |first=Aamir |last=Siddiqui |date=2025-09-16 |title=Not even your kitchen is safe from ads after Samsung's new update for its refrigerators |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203074312/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> The update was delivered through an over-the-network (OTN) software update that users could not decline without losing smart functionality.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wolf |first=Michael |date=2025-09-17 |title=Samsung Rolls Out Ads to Family Hub Fridges |url=https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102114706/https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-date=2 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=The Spoon}}</ref>

The advertisements appear on the Cover Screen when the refrigerator display is idle, specifically affecting the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes.<ref name=":02">{{cite web |first=Aamir |last=Siddiqui |date=2025-09-18 |title=Samsung confirms its $1,800+ fridges will start showing you ads |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116151613/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> Users who select Art Mode or Gallery themes can currently avoid advertisements, though Samsung has not guaranteed these themes will remain ad-free.<ref name=":02" />

===Sued by Texas state over ACR data collection (''2025—Present):''===
{{Main|Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection}}
On 15 December 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Samsung,<ref name="petition-samsung">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=State of Texas v. Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Original Petition |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206163119/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> alleging that the manufacturer failed to adequately disclose the data collection capabilities of {{Wplink|automatic content recognition}} (ACR) technology in their smart televisions<ref name="arstechnica">{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=December 16, 2025 |title=Texas sues biggest TV makers, alleging smart TVs spy on users without consent |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214045721/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref>. The lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, allege that ACR technology captures screenshots of television displays at frequent intervals and that the resulting viewing data is sold to advertisers and data brokers without meaningful consumer consent.<ref name="txag-main">{{Cite web |date=15 Dec 2025 |title=Attorney General Paxton Sues Five Major TV Companies, Including Some with Ties to CCP, for Spying on Texans |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221015756/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Samsung SmartThings API monetization (''2026—Present'')===
{{Main|Samsung SmartThings API monetization}}

On 25 June 2026, Samsung announced a transition to a new ''"Enhanced API Experience,"'' which introduces paid API tiers. This move, expected to be implemented in October 2026, directly impacts community-driven ecosystems like Home Assistant, which rely on these APIs for integration and functionality.<ref name="openhome_smartthings">{{Cite web |author= |title=Breaking free from the disposable smart home |url=https://newsletter.openhomefoundation.org/breaking-free-from-the-disposable-smart-home/ |website=Open Home Foundation |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260625173247/https://newsletter.openhomefoundation.org/breaking-free-from-the-disposable-smart-home/ |archive-date=25 Jun 2026}}</ref> This shift contributes to the "disposable smart home" phenomenon, where the utility and interoperability of hardware are contingent upon manufacturer-controlled pricing models and API availability.

=== Samsung Notes app does not support vector graphic export of Notes (at least 2021–Present) ===
Samsung Notes (.sdocx format) and its predecessor S Note (.spd format) do not support export of notes to pdfs that contain vector graphics information. Upon export, any diagrams / handwriting is rasterized<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-25 |title=Exporting a vectorized pdf from Samsung notes |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyTab/comments/pva9px/exporting_a_vectorized_pdf_from_samsung_notes/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-07-06 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-15 |title=Converting Samsung Notes or S-Note files into other formats |url=https://forum.developer.samsung.com/t/converting-samsung-notes-or-s-note-files-into-other-formats/17286 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716180447/https://forum.developer.samsung.com/t/converting-samsung-notes-or-s-note-files-into-other-formats/17286#post_3 |archive-date=2025-07-16 |website=Samsung Developer Forums}}</ref>. This is an example of [[wikipedia:Vendor_lock-in|vendor lock-in]].

==Products==
*[[Samsung Odyssey]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Samsung TVs]]
*Samsung Smartphones
*Samsung Galaxy Watches

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Samsung]]

Philips

2026-07-06T13:07:23Z

Cxandru: /* Incidents */ Added information about sonicare using DRM for a razor-and-blades model.

{{#seo:
|description=Philips licenses its brand to TP Vision, Signify, and others while smart features on older products are shut down without compensation.
}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1891
|Industry=Electronics,Healthcare
|Logo=Philips.svg
|ParentCompany=
|CompanyAlias=Royal Philips,Koninklijke Philips N.V.,PHIA
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.philips.com/
|Description=Licenses its consumer electronics brand to TP Vision (TVs) & Signify (lighting) while shutting down smart features on older products
}}

'''Philips''' (Koninklijke Philips N.V.) licenses its consumer electronics brand to third-party manufacturers that have repeatedly shut down internet-connected features on products still in use, without offering refunds or adequate compensation.<ref name="2025shutdown">{{Cite web |url=https://tv-sound-monitors.philips.com/s/article/Why-can-I-not-access-the-Smart-TV-service-on-my-Philips-TV |title=Why can I not access the Smart TV service on my Philips TV? |date=2025-02-12 |website=Philips TV Support |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> TP Vision disabled all Smart TV services on 2009-2013 Philips TVs in April 2025, Signify terminated cloud support for the original Philips Hue Bridge in April 2020, & Gibson Innovations stripped smart features from Philips-branded Blu-ray players in 2016.<ref name="cnet-hue">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/philips-hue-is-killing-off-support-for-the-original-hue-bridge/ |title=Philips Hue is killing off support for the original Hue Bridge |date=2020-03-06 |website=CNET |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref><ref name="gibson-bluray">{{Cite web |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2016/02/18/gibson-disables-smart-tv-functionality-on-philips-devices/ |title=Gibson disables smart TV functionality on Philips devices |date=2016-02-18 |website=Broadband TV News |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The Dutch Data Protection Authority also found TP Vision monitoring what Philips Smart TV owners watched, which websites they visited, & which apps they used, all without informed consent.<ref name="dutch-privacy">{{Cite web |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2013/08/22/tp-vision-acts-on-warning-dutch-privacy-watchdog/ |title=TP Vision acts on warning Dutch privacy watchdog |date=2013-08-22 |website=Broadband TV News |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Consumer-impact summary==

*TP Vision terminated all internet-connected features on Philips Smart TVs sold between 2009 & 2013, effective April 25, 2025. The company told owners to buy "external devices such as Android HDMI sticks or game consoles" to restore functionality.<ref name="2025shutdown" />
*In December 2016, TP Vision shut down the Net TV platform on 12 models of 2009-era Philips Smart TVs (8000 & 9000 series), citing the SHA-1 to SHA-2 security certificate migration as the technical reason. TP Vision offered affected owners a Fire TV Stick as compensation.<ref name="2016shutdown">{{Cite web |url=https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1480416756 |title=Philips 2009 Smart TVs lose apps |date=2016-11-29 |website=FlatpanelsHD |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>
*Gibson Innovations disabled Smart TV interfaces on Philips-branded Blu-ray & media players (2010-2014 models) in February 2016 without prior notice. When consumers contacted Philips support, representatives said it was "too much work to maintain the devices on a good level."<ref name="gibson-bluray" /><ref name="myce-gibson">{{Cite web |url=https://myce.com/news/gibson-innovations-kills-smart-features-philips-blu-ray-media-players-79270/ |title=Gibson Innovations kills smart features on Philips Blu-ray and media players |date=2016-02-18 |website=Myce |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>
*Signify ended server support for the first-generation Philips Hue Bridge (v1) in April 2020. Cloud control, voice assistant integration, & the v1 mobile app were permanently retired by April 30, 2022. No trade-in program was offered; the replacement v2 bridge cost $59.99.<ref name="cnet-hue" />
*The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) investigated TP Vision in 2013 & found the company collected data on TV viewing habits, app usage, & website visits from over 1.2 million Smart TVs sold in the Netherlands since 2009, without adequate consent mechanisms.<ref name="dutch-privacy" />

==Background==

Royal Philips was founded in Eindhoven, Netherlands, in 1891 as a lightbulb manufacturer.<ref name="philips-history">{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Philips-Electronics |title=Philips Electronics |website=Encyclopaedia Britannica |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The company grew into one of the world's largest electronics conglomerates but began divesting its consumer-facing divisions in the 2010s to focus on healthcare technology.<ref name="philips-history" />

===Television: TP Vision===

In April 2012, Philips transferred its TV division into a joint venture called TP Vision, operated by Hong Kong-based TPV Technology. TPV held a 70% stake; Philips retained 30%.<ref name="tpvision-formation">{{Cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m6517_20120201_20310_2291078_EN.pdf |title=Case No COMP/M.6517 - TP Vision |date=2012-02-01 |website=European Commission |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> By 2014, TP Vision took full control of the Philips TV brand in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, South America, India, & select Asia-Pacific regions.<ref name="twice-tpvision">{{Cite web |url=https://www.twice.com/retailing/philips-finalizes-sale-of-tv-division/ |title=Philips Finalizes Sale of TV Division |website=Twice |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> In North America, Philips televisions are manufactured & distributed under a separate licensing agreement with Funai Electric.<ref name="twice-tpvision" />

===Audio & video: Gibson Innovations===

Philips sold its audio, video, multimedia, & accessories division to Gibson Brands for $135 million in April 2014. The subsidiary was renamed Gibson Innovations.<ref name="gibson-sale">{{Cite web |url=https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2014/20140428-Philips-signs-deal-with-Gibson-Brands-to-grow-its-Lifestyle-Entertainment-business.html |title=Philips signs deal with Gibson Brands to grow its Lifestyle Entertainment business |date=2014-04-28 |website=Philips |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Gibson Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2018, & Royal Philips revoked the license. The global rights for Philips-branded audio & video accessories transferred to TPV Technology (TP Vision's parent) on June 1, 2018.<ref name="gibson-bankruptcy">{{Cite web |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2018/05/25/philips-and-tpv-expand-global-brand-licence-agreement/ |title=Philips and TPV expand global brand licence agreement |date=2018-05-25 |website=Broadband TV News |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

===Lighting: Signify===

Philips spun off its lighting division in May 2016. The independent entity was renamed Signify N.V. in 2018 but continues to market products under the Philips brand, including the [[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app|Philips Hue]] smart lighting line.<ref name="signify-spinoff">{{Cite web |url=https://www.signify.com/global/our-company/history |title=Our History |website=Signify |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===[[Philips shuts down Smart TV service of a lot models sold between 2009 and 2013|Smart TV service shutdown (2025)]]===

{{Main|Philips shuts down Smart TV service of a lot models sold between 2009 and 2013}}

TP Vision terminated all internet-connected features on Philips Smart TVs manufactured between 2009 & 2013, effective April 25, 2025. The shutdown disabled Smart TV apps, dashboards, & the built-in internet browser. TP Vision's support page cited "unresolvable technical limitations" & "cyber security" as the reason, directing owners to purchase external streaming devices instead of offering compensation.<ref name="2025shutdown" />

===Smart TV Net TV shutdown (2016)===

In December 2016, TP Vision shut down the Net TV platform on 12 Philips Smart TV models from the 2009 8000 & 9000 series. The stated cause was that streaming partners migrated from SHA-1 to SHA-2 security certificates, & the 2009 TV hardware couldn't receive a firmware update to support SHA-2. TP Vision offered affected owners an Amazon Fire TV Stick as a partial replacement.<ref name="2016shutdown" />

===Gibson Innovations disables Blu-ray smart features (2016)===

Gibson Innovations removed Smart TV functionality from Philips-branded Blu-ray & media players (2010-2014 models) in February 2016 without advance notice. Users attempting to access Net TV encountered a blank screen or a looping sign-in prompt. Philips support told complainants it was "too much work to maintain the devices." Gibson offered a Google Chromecast as compensation.<ref name="gibson-bluray" /><ref name="myce-gibson" />

===[[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app|Philips Hue Bridge v1 end of support (2020)]]===

Signify discontinued server support for the first-generation Philips Hue Bridge in April 2020. Cloud-based features including remote access & voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google Home) stopped working. The dedicated v1 mobile app was permanently retired on April 30, 2022. Signify stated the v1 hardware "no longer has the resources to guarantee the evolution of the system," & directed owners to purchase the v2 bridge at $59.99 with no trade-in discount.<ref name="cnet-hue" />

===Dutch DPA investigation (2013)===

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, then called CBP) investigated TP Vision in 2013 & found the company was monitoring which programs viewers watched, which websites they visited, & which apps they used on Philips Smart TVs. TP Vision had sold over 1.2 million Smart TVs in the Netherlands since 2009. CBP board member Wilbert Tomesen stated: "Most people do not even know their smart TV gathers information about their viewing habits." TP Vision was required to modify its data retention policies & introduce clear consent mechanisms to comply with the Dutch Data Protection Act.<ref name="dutch-privacy" />

=== Philips sonicare brush head DRM (2015) ===
Philips uses microchips to pair replacement brush heads with their toothbrushes for various functionalities, such as reminding a user to change them<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philips Sonicare user manual |url=https://www.documents.philips.com/assets/20201024/0bb92c785537499cbf6aac5e016ee33c.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-07-06 |website=Philips}}</ref>. This is an example of the [[wikipedia:Razor-and-blades_model|Razor-and-blades model]]. They have successfully sued companies for making alternative replacement brush heads<ref>{{Cite news |title=Philips wins IP infringement disputes with power toothbrush and brush head manufacturers and sellers |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/11/25/1951749/0/en/philips-wins-ip-infringement-disputes-with-power-toothbrush-and-brush-head-manufacturers-and-sellers.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-07-06 |work=Global News Wire}}</ref>.

==Regulatory actions & lawsuits==

===European Commission resale price maintenance fine (2018)===

In July 2018, the European Commission fined Philips for restricting the ability of online retailers to set their own prices on Philips-branded products in France, a practice known as resale price maintenance (RPM). Commissioner Margrethe Vestager stated that Philips threatened to block product supplies when retailers priced below Philips' mandated minimums.<ref name="ec-rpm">{{Cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_18_4601 |title=Antitrust: Commission fines four consumer electronics manufacturers for fixing online resale prices |date=2018-07-24 |website=European Commission |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Because Philips cooperated with the investigation, the fine was reduced by 40% to a final penalty of EUR 29.8 million.<ref name="siliconrepublic-rpm">{{Cite web |url=https://www.siliconrepublic.com/companies/eu-electronics-resale-prices-asus-philips |title=EU fines Asus, Philips and others nearly €111m over resale price fixing |author=Colm Gorey |date=2018-07-24 |website=Silicon Republic |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

===CRT price-fixing cartel (1996-2006)===

Between 1996 & 2006, Philips participated in a cartel with Samsung, LG, & Panasonic to fix the prices of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) used in televisions & monitors. The European Commission fined Philips EUR 509 million in 2012 for its role in the cartel.<ref name="crt-cartel">{{Cite web |url=https://www.consumentenbond.nl/nieuws/2025/philips-verliest-hoger-beroep-in-beeldbuiszaak |title=Philips verliest hoger beroep in beeldbuiszaak |date=2025-06-18 |website=Consumentenbond |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The Dutch Consumer Association (Consumentenbond) & ConsumentenClaim launched a collective action (the "Beeldbuisclaim") representing over 65,000 consumers who paid artificially inflated prices. In June 2025, the Court of Appeal in Den Bosch ruled that the case assessing Philips' financial liability to consumers must proceed.<ref name="crt-cartel" />

===CPAP device recall & lawsuits===

Royal Philips sold millions of CPAP & Bi-PAP devices through its subsidiary Philips Respironics containing polyurethane foam that degraded into potentially carcinogenic particles. Philips recalled over 15 million devices in 2021.<ref name="cpap-recall">{{Cite web |url=https://info.drrt.com/blog/institutional-investors-file-nearly-1-billion-claim-against-philips |title=Institutional investors file nearly 1 billion claim against Philips |date=2025-11-06 |website=DRRT |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Investigations by ProPublica found that Philips executives knew about the foam degradation as early as 2015 but did not alert the FDA or the public until the 2021 recall.<ref name="cpap-propublica">{{Cite web |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/philips-cpap-recall-sleep-apnea-machines-foam |title=Philips Knew About Dangers in Recalled Sleep Apnea Machines for Years |website=ProPublica |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> In April 2024, Philips agreed to a $1.1 billion settlement to resolve U.S. personal injury & wrongful death claims without admitting liability.<ref name="cpap-settlement">{{Cite web |url=https://www.signaturelitigation.com/philips-respironics-cpap-settlement/ |title=Philips Respironics CPAP Settlement |website=Signature Litigation |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> A separate European class action launched in Milan in July 2024 on behalf of 1.2 million affected users, with over 20,000 German patients joining by late 2024.<ref name="cpap-recall" /> In November 2025, over 100 institutional shareholders filed a EUR 1 billion claim against Royal Philips in the Netherlands, alleging the company hid the CPAP safety data since 2015.<ref name="cpap-recall" />

==Products==

*Philips Smart TVs (manufactured by [[Philips shuts down Smart TV service of a lot models sold between 2009 and 2013|TP Vision]])
*[[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app|Philips Hue]] smart lighting (manufactured by Signify)
*Philips Respironics CPAP/Bi-PAP devices

==See also==

*[[Right to Repair]]
*[[Planned obsolescence]]
*[[Philips shuts down Smart TV service of a lot models sold between 2009 and 2013]]
*[[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app]]
*[[Philips Hue: MotionAwareTM]]

==References==

{{reflist}}


[[Category:Philips]]

Congstar

2026-07-06T12:42:05Z

Cxandru: /* Incidents */ Add incidents of unavailability of web portal.

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2004-11-11
|Industry=Telecommunications
|Logo=Congstar Logo 2023.svg.webp
|ParentCompany=Telekom
|Type=GmbH
|Website=https://www.congstar.de/
|Description=Congstar is a telecommunications company subsidiary of Telekom Deutschland.
}}
{{Ph-C-Int}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==Incidents==
{{Ph-C-Inc}}

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Removal of Web portal "meincongstar" (Summer 2025)===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}
In summer of 2025, Congstar removed support for their web portal<ref>{{Cite web |title=Congstar schafft Web-Portal ab |url=https://www.test.de/Mobilfunk-und-internet-Congstar-schafft-Web-Portal-ab-6180887-0/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-07-06 |website=Stiftung Warentest}}</ref>. ''After'' concluding a contract with Congstar, new customers receive a mail with the text "Die App benötigst du zwingend, um deinen Anschluss nutzen zu können."<ref>kundenservice@congstar.de : "Dein Zugang zur congstar App". Received by <Anonymous Client>, 01/07/2026</ref> (Translation: You forcibly require the app to use your connection"). This app is available only from the Google Play and Apple App store<ref>{{Cite web |title=Die congstar App |url=https://www.congstar.de/hilfe-service/mein-vertrag/congstar-app/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-07-06}}</ref>.

===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

==Products==
{{Ph-C-P}}

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Congstar

2026-07-06T12:00:02Z

Cxandru: Create page for congstar

File:Congstar Logo 2023.svg.webp

2026-07-06T11:57:38Z

Cxandru:

== Licensing ==
{{PD}}