Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Samsung SmartThings API monetization

2026-06-29T18:28:34Z

Firstof9:

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Samsung
|StartDate=2026
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=SmartThings
|Product=SmartThings API
|ArticleType=Service, Product
|Type=Third-party, Ownership, Subscription
|Description=Samsung is introducing a paid subscription model for its SmartThings API, creating financial barriers for third-party developers and ecosystem integrators like Home Assistant.
}}

The transition of the Samsung SmartThings API from a free interoperability layer to a tiered, paid model represents a significant shift in the smart home landscape. This practice is documented as a driver of "software-defined obsolescence," where the functional utility of physical hardware is tethered to a manufacturer's recurring API pricing structures.

==Overview==
As part of a strategic evolution of its cloud services, Samsung has announced the introduction of an '''"Enhanced API Experience"''' for the SmartThings platform.<ref name="smartthings_api_announcement">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=A New Enhanced SmartThings API Experience |url=https://blog.smartthings.com/smartthings-updates/a-new-enhanced-smartthings-api-experience/ |website=SmartThings Blog |date=25 Jun 2026 |access-date=2026-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260625173301/https://blog.smartthings.com/smartthings-updates/a-new-enhanced-smartthings-api-experience/ |archive-date=2026-06-25}}</ref> While marketed as an upgrade to service stability and feature sets, the core of the update involves transitioning from the current free/open access model to a structure involving '''paid API tiers'''.

==Impact on Ecosystem Interoperability==
The monetization of the SmartThings API introduces a financial barrier to the interoperability that underpins modern smart home ecosystems. Platforms such as '''Home Assistant''' and other open-source controllers rely on these APIs to facilitate communication between devices and centralized automation engines.

The implementation of paid tiers creates several critical risks:
* '''Increased Costs for Integrators:''' Third-party developers may face significant overhead, making the maintenance of community-driven integrations economically unviable.
* '''Functional Bottlenecks:''' End-users may find that certain automation capabilities or device features become restricted behind new subscription paywalls.
* '''Ecosystem Fragmentation:''' By taxing the gateway between devices and third-party software, Samsung effectively incentivizes users to remain within proprietary, closed-loop environments, reducing consumer choice.

==The "Disposable Smart Home" Risk==
This monetization model is a primary contributor to the "disposable smart home" phenomenon<ref name="openhome_smartthings">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=Breaking free from the disposable smart home |url=https://newsletter.openhomefoundation.org/breaking-free-from-the-disposable-smart-home/ |website=Open Home Foundation |date=25 Jun 2026 |access-date=2026-06-29 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>. When the ability to control or automate a device is contingent upon a manufacturer's API availability and pricing, the consumer's true ownership of the hardware is compromised. If a manufacturer decides to increase API fees or sunset specific access levels, previously fully functional hardware can become "bricked" or significantly limited in utility, regardless of the user's physical ownership of the device.

==Timeline==
* '''October 2026:''' Implementation of the new tiered API model is scheduled to commence.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:Incidents]]

Samsung SmartThings API monetization

2026-06-29T18:25:36Z

Firstof9: Created page with "{{IncidentCargo |Company=Samsung |StartDate=2026 |EndDate= |Status=Active |ProductLine=SmartThings |Product=SmartThings API |ArticleType=Service, Product |Type=Third-party, Ownership, Subscription |Description=Samsung is introducing a paid subscription model for its SmartThings API, creating financial barriers for third-party developers and ecosystem integrators like Home Assistant. }} The transition of the Samsung SmartThings API from a free interoperability layer to a..."

Samsung

2026-06-29T18:01:10Z

Firstof9: /* Incidents */

{{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>

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

Samsung has 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 |last= |first= |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=2026-06-29 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</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.

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Samsung]]