Samsung reportedly adding security chips to Galaxy phone batteries to combat fake replacements

Samsung is reportedly adding authentication chips to its Galaxy A Series of smartphones Security chips will help distinguish safe, genuine batteries from fake third-party replacements They also make the lithium recycling process a lot smoother Samsung could be making quite a big change to certain Galaxy Phone models — the Korean tech giant is tipped to add security chips to batteries starting next year.

The report comes from The Elec , which says the new security-chipped batteries will roll out to roughly 50 million devices, starting with Samsung’s low-end and mid-range Galaxy A series (which make up the largest share of Samsung’s smartphone sales).

It would mark the first time the company adds a layer of security to its phone batteries, but the company hasn’t confirmed anything yet.

According to the report, the chips will be manufactured using Samsung Electronics' 28-nanometer foundry process, using VIA PUF (physical unclonable function) technology to create unique identities for each one.

It’s believed that analog devices in the US (ADI) and ICTK in South Korea will split the supply of authentication chips.

So what’s the reason behind this? Well, there are several, but the main purpose is to put an end to fake replacements destroying your devices.

If your smartphone battery is nearing the end of its life, it’s safer to get a new one by going through Samsung’s official repair services, so you know you’re getting a replacement from the company itself.

However, some users find it more convenient and cost-effective to opt for a third-party replacement service, but the quality isn’t always guaranteed. (Image credit: Future / Axel Metz) For one, these types of batteries aren’t always built to the standard of quality you get with ones manufactured by Samsung itself, which could pave the way for further battery issues and even lead to fires while charging or during use.

So, these embedded authentication chips not only identify genuine Samsung batteries from dodgy ones, but could be the one and only component that prevents your home from being engulfed in flames.

Reinforcing quality and safety is a no-brainer, but there’s also a sustainability element to battery authentication chips.

Using chips makes it a lot easier for repairers to review battery usage history, allowing them to customize the lithium recycling process based on the state of individual batteries, instead of recycling batteries with different characteristics using the same method.

If the reports are on the money, then Samsung's authentication chips should arrive roughly around the same time the new EU regulations come into force.