Samsung smart fridge update left some Bespoke AI models unusable

In short: A Samsung firmware update caused some Bespoke AI smart fridges to stop working, with many complaints reported in South Korea.

What happened

Some Samsung smart fridges stopped working on Tuesday after a firmware update, according to reports cited by Ars Technica. A firmware update is the built-in software that helps a device run, like a fridge’s “operating instructions” that can be changed after you buy it.

Korean news outlets first reported the issue, and the complaints mainly involve Samsung’s Bespoke AI line. Star News Korea said most affected units were four-door models from 2024 or later. Users said the fridges lost power right after they tried to update through SmartThings, Samsung’s home control app, and the app then showed the fridges as offline.

Some owners said the fridge screen got stuck on a message that told them to check the SmartThings app during the update. On Samsung’s Korean community forum, people described food spoiling because the cooling and freezing stopped. SBS Korea reported that customers have filed hundreds of cases.

Samsung did not answer Ars Technica’s questions about how many fridges are affected or which countries are involved. The complaints described in the report appear to be coming from Korea, and the timing is especially painful because the Chuseok holiday starts Thursday. Chuseok is a major harvest holiday when families often buy and store a lot of food.

Samsung reportedly stopped sending out the update as of September 23. A Samsung representative also posted on the forum saying an error happened during testing, and service centers are taking emergency steps.

Why it matters

This is a reminder that software updates can sometimes break everyday appliances, not just phones and computers. When a fridge fails suddenly, it can mean wasted food, ruined medication, and long waits for repairs.

Source: Arstechnica