Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will lock to carrier upon SIM insertion

Today a leaked image of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge setup guide revealed that Samsung’s 2016 flagships will lock to a carrier once a SIM card is inserted. Historically, most Samsung devices sold through carriers were nevertheless unlocked due to the hassle involved in custom-ordering carrier specific devices. Now it appears that Samsung has found a way for their smartphones to self-customize and lock to a specific carrier when they are first set up, and if carriers take well to this, then we can probably expect the Galaxy line to include this feature going forward.

Here’s the slide content in full:

Out of the box setup:

Insert the SIM card before you set up the customer’s device for the first time.

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge | S7 locks to the carrier of the first SIM that is inserted by resetting and installing carrier software. If you set up the device and then insert the SIM you will have to set up the device again.

Bear in mind that there doesn’t seem to be any reason for concern. This naturally wouldn’t apply to SIM-free and carrier unlocked smartphones. If you own a device purchased directly from Samsung or from a non-carrier retailer, then you’ll be able indulge in your commitment issues and flit teasingly between carriers as freely as before.

What do you think of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge’s feature that locks them to a carrier upon the first insertion of a SIM card? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.