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Following electrocution controversy, Apple to offer USB power adapter replacements

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Following controversy in recent weeks regarding the safety of counterfeit and third-party USB charging adapters for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad, Apple has announced a new trade-in program for these adapters. The program will be held at both official Apple Retail Stores and Authorized Apple Resellers. The program will officially kickoff on August 16th in the United States and on August 9th in China. Apple also shares that customer safety is its top priority:

Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products — including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod — undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.

The replacement program will allow anyone who feels uncomfortable with their adapter to replace it with an official unit for a discounted price of $10. The option will be available until October 18th of this year. Customers must bring in their corresponding device in order to be applicable.

If you need a replacement adapter to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, we recommend getting an Apple USB power adapter. For a limited time, you can purchase one Apple USB power adapter at a special price — $10 USD or approximate equivalent in local currency. To qualify, you must turn in at least one USB power adapter and bring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to an Apple Retail Store or participating Apple Authorized Service Provider for serial number validation. The special pricing on Apple USB power adapters is limited to one adapter for each iPhone, iPad, and iPod you own and is valid until October 18, 2013.

Apple will properly recycle the traded-in adapters. Last month, an Apple customer reportedly passed away from electrocution due to a counterfeit charger used with an iOS Device. Immediately following this incident, Apple opened up a webpage to properly identify Apple-built adapters. Apple has begun notifying its stores and reseller partners of the upcoming program.

More information from Apple below:

Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. While not all third party adapters have an issue, we are announcing a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters.

Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products — including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod — undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.

Starting August 16, 2013, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. We will ensure that these adapters are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

If you need a replacement adapter to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, we recommend getting an Apple USB power adapter. For a limited time, you can purchase one Apple USB power adapter at a special price — $10 USD or approximate equivalent in local currency. To qualify, you must turn in at least one USB power adapter and bring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to an Apple Retail Store or participating Apple Authorized Service Provider for serial number validation. The special pricing on Apple USB power adapters is limited to one adapter for each iPhone, iPad, and iPod you own and is valid until October 18, 2013.

Note: Due to the complexity of testing required to detect an unsafe or counterfeit adapter, Apple Retail and Apple Authorized Service Providers cannot advise you on the authenticity or safety of your adapter.  We are offering this special takeback program for any USB power adapter made for use with iPhone, iPad, and iPod for which you have concerns.

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Comments

  1. Eric Lee - 11 years ago

    Is this a World Wide thing or only certain countries like China and USA?

    • I guess it’s world wide. Only assuming since they said: “$10 USD or approximate equivalent in local currency.” They don’t seem to have any Terms and Conditions below the web page either.

  2. I found it disgusting to read Apple’s public statement anymore. There is no personal touch anymore. Just a plain and brain-dead statement of every company produce by public relationship professional copied from the overused cookbook.

    • nelmat - 11 years ago

      Would you prefer Apple to write to every single person who has ever bought a cheap charger personally inviting them to save money? This is a carefully worded press release, it has to be in these days of ridiculous litigation,

  3. thejuanald - 11 years ago

    In other words, “Sorry for electrocuting you, if you want something that isn’t faulty buy this replacement!”

    • nelmat - 11 years ago

      What are you talking about? This is for people who bought cheap/fake alternatives rather than apple products. Apple are giving these people a reduced price on the genuine article, it’s a very nice gesture and not something I could see any other company doing.

  4. Dean Lubaki - 11 years ago

    Y’all have to understand that it’s not Apple’s fault if someone has been electrocuted using a counterfeit charger! They’re not going to apology for something that isn’t their fault…
    At least, you can get a authentic one for 10$. I don’t think another company would do this.

  5. Big Wayne (@ctt1wbw) - 11 years ago

    So didn’t one of these dumbass moronic knuckle draggers grab their phone while it was plugged in to a wall outlet after she got out of the bathtub?

  6. This is why I love Apple. Again totally fair to their customers and their service is the best like no other company ;)

  7. Dirk Lenz - 11 years ago

    Headline seems to be a bit misleading without the words “third-party”

  8. Baba (@baba12) - 11 years ago

    $10, wow a backhanded compliment from Apple. REally why not say these chargers should be given away for cost, why does Apple need to profit from this. It is amazing people are really stupid to pay $10 bucks for $1 product at best.

  9. kenn (@kpg1969kpg) - 11 years ago

    well, Apple is greedy! that why they got in trouble now. in the first place they should lower their iphone ipad… accessories price to consumers, so they all can buy more apple products than buy a fake one … and Apple also can contain these fake products/ companies by doing so.

  10. kenn (@kpg1969kpg) - 11 years ago

    im not going to exchange, it is a good tool for suicide in case i… need!

  11. TheBTman (@thebtman) - 11 years ago

    If Apple didnt charge such exorbitant prices for a cable or a small plug, people wouldnt feel the need to shop elsewhere. And frankly, if the original cables and charger were quality made in line with the sim free price then people would not need to badly to replace them.

    I have had 3 iPhones and 2 iPads and in all cases the charge/sync cables have not lasted even a year.

    And the latest iPhone 5 isnt as well made as the 4S so its likely I wont buy another iPhone, particularly as I wont be able to retain my current jailbreak!

    Android or Windows Phone here I come!!

  12. NQZ (@surgesoda) - 11 years ago

    The BTMan hits it here — the reason why people are buying the counterfeit adapters is because Apple charges a friggen arm and a leg for theirs…which is unreasonable. Even just for a MacBook power brick, it’s $79 — for a god damned power brick..come on now….

  13. Richard Getz (@RichGetz) - 11 years ago

    People go out and buy a doggy kit because they are cheap and now Apple will trade you your doggy kit + $10 and give you a brand new Apple kit? That is more stupid than buying a knockoff.