Samsung recalls 2.5M Galaxy Note 7 phones after reports of fire

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Samsung is issuing a worldwide recall of its new Galaxy Note 7 smartphone following reports the product has caught fire or exploded while being charged.

The company said the issue is the battery and it will replace all 2.5 million of the devices, which debuted a month ago.

"Products installed with the problematic battery account for less than 0.1 percent of the entire volume sold. The problem can be simply resolved by changing the battery, but we'll come up with convincing measures for our consumers," said a Samsung official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"The most important thing is the safety of our customers and we don't want to disappoint our loyal customers," said the official.

The process to recall the devices is expected to take about two weeks.