Overview
- A SmartThings firmware update pushed to Bespoke AI 4‑door refrigerators caused some units to lose power, touchscreen function and refrigeration after users installed the patch on Tuesday, September 22.
- Samsung halted the rollout, acknowledged an error in its testing process that allowed an internal build to be released, and said it is operating emergency repair services through service centers.
- Many customers reported spoiled holiday food and long waits for on‑site technicians because the failures hit just before the Chuseok holiday and some service slots were only available after the break.
- Attempts to recover affected fridges by rolling back the update, power‑cycling or re‑pairing them to SmartThings reportedly failed and some technicians have been replacing motherboards instead of applying a software fix.
- The company has not published the total number of affected units or a policy for reimbursing spoiled food, a gap that highlights the risks of over‑the‑air updates for essential home appliances.