For years, Samsung has announced its flagship Galaxy S smartphones ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC), a major industry conference held in Barcelona in February or March.
But after the Galaxy Note 7 exploding smartphone debacle, that’s changing.
The South Korean electronics company has opted not to launch its expected S8 smartphone at MWC this year, Reuters reports – raising the possibility that the phone will be delayed.
Over the weekend, Samsung announced the results of its investigation into why its Note 7 smartphone kept exploding, prompting a costly global recall of the device: The answer: A bad battery design.
The company says it is now taking steps to ensure that something similar does not happen with the launch of the S8, its next high-end smartphone – as a repeat would be absolutely disastrous for the company’s reputation.
At a press briefing on Monday, mobile chief Koh Dong-jin reportedly said that Samsung no longer plans to formally announce the S8 at Mobile World Congress, and that its release may be delayed. "The lessons of this incident are deeply reflected in our culture and process," he said. "Samsung Electronics will be working hard to regain consumer trust."
Reached for comment, a Samsung spokesperson told Business Insider they "couldn't confirm specific timings related to the product roadmap, however could confirm the company will not unveil its flagship product at Mobile World Congress this year." The Galaxy S8 - whenever it is ultimately launched - is rumoured to have an edge-to-edge curved screen without a home button, a dual-lens camera, and two different size options.
There's also an unconfirmed rumour circulating that Samsung plans to hold an event in March in New York to launch the phone, and it will go on sale on April 18.
Mobile World Congress will be running from February 27 to March 2, and Business Insider will be attending and reporting live from Barcelona throughout.