The fiasco over Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 flagship has started rumors that the tech maker will discontinue the lineup. However, a recent statement by the company hints that the series will continue, with the follow-up Galaxy Note 8 on track for 2017 release.
According to Reuters, Samsung has started a replacement program in South Korea, ostensibly to entice customers to turn in their Galaxy Note 7 devices. The new flagship has battery issues which are serious enough that at least two global recalls have already been made. Eventually, Samsung has been forced to discontinue production for the flagship iteration.
Interestingly, the replacement program for the Galaxy Note 7 has mentioned that those who take part in the program will need to only pay half the price of the Galaxy S7 of their choice, "before exchanging to the S8 or the Note 8."
This statement by Samsung indirectly confirms that rumor aside, there has been no change in the company's release schedule for its flagship lineups. This means that there will be two Samsung flagships next year, the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy Note 8.
Previously, The Korea Herald supposedly stumbled upon information that Samsung will limit itself to a single flagship per year, starting in 2017. With the Galaxy S8 already expected to come out early next year, this means that the Galaxy Note series has been axed. However, the industry follower stated that the rumor has not been substantiated, with one official from Samsung's third party suppliers confirming that "Samsung has not notified its suppliers of the plan to scrap the current two-flagship-model strategy, but if so that could impact the parts suppliers to some extent."
In its previous releases, Samsung has partnered two flagship series releases every year, with the latest Galaxy S releasing in the first half of the year, followed by the latest Galaxy Note towards the end of the concurrent year.
