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Apple issues Mac & iOS device AC Wall Plug Adapter + World Travel Kit recall for certain customers

Apple today has announced a voluntary recall and exchange program for a select number of AC wall plug adapters used in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand and South Korea. America is not included in the recall. Apple says that in “very rare cases” the two-pronged Apple wall adapters could break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched.

Apple said that the affected wall adapters shipped between 2003 and 2015 with Mac and certain iOS devices. Apple also says the adapters were included in the Apple World Travel Kit. The company says that it is aware 12 issues worldwide.

The recall does not affect any of Apple’s USB power adapters or customers in Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Customers who would like take participate in the voluntary recall and exchange program should visit Apple’s new support page for the recall. The company is asking that users stop using the affected wall adapters and exchange them for new, redesigned choices.

Last year, Apple issued a recall for the Beats Pill XL citing instances in which the speaker could overheat and create a fire risk. Also last year the company launched a camera replacement program for the rear camera on select iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices.

Important Notice for Certain AC Wall Plug Adapters & World Travel Adapter Kit Customers

Voluntary Recall and Exchange Program

CUPERTINO, California — January 28, 2016 — Apple® today announced a voluntary recall of AC wall plug adapters designed for use in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand and South Korea. In very rare cases, affected Apple two-prong wall plug adapters may break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched. These wall plug adapters shipped with Mac® and certain iOS devices between 2003 and 2015 and were also included in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit. Apple is aware of 12 incidents worldwide.

The recall does not affect any other Apple AC wall plug adapters designed for Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom, United States or any Apple USB power adapters.

Because customer safety is the company’s top priority, Apple is asking customers to stop using affected plug adapters. Customers should visit www.apple.com/support/ac-wallplug-adapter for details about how to exchange the affected adapters for new, redesigned ones.

An affected two-prong plug adapter has either four or five characters or no characters on the inside slot where it attaches to the main Apple power adapter. Visit the program website for more details on how to identify an affected adapter.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

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Comments

  1. I have two of the older (bad) EU plugs but only one of them was covered. Strange.

    • William D - 9 years ago

      How did you get to know that ? I did Apple Support chat and they didnt seem to be able to do any precise analysis beyond asking me if it had either nothing or the (Very faint/incredibly difficult to see) dotted digits on it.

  2. checker92 - 9 years ago

    Why not for battery charger? They use the same plug adapters.

    • William D - 9 years ago

      From what i was told it would be covered – for me my two affected ones look identical – same markings and codings, so .. we’ll see.. It’s voluntary so that may be why they haven’t advertised it..

  3. William D - 9 years ago

    Just did chat in France. They said it wasn’t really up and running here on the continent yet and would call me tomorrow. I advertised 9To5Mac ;) as i was apparently her first call on the matter.

    I actually bought my charger standalone, so the serial number of my devices is kind of irrelevant and she didn’t insist on it. I also mentioned my Apple Battery charger bit – which has exactly the same markings- she thought it would be covered. As it’s voluntary recall rather than a legal one, i suspect they will be happy not to replace old stuff that’s no longer sold, but i will push it. If there’s a risk its going to overheat i dont want my battery charger – designed to be left in constantly with the much vaunted smart charging function – i want it safe.

  4. Thibault Molleman - 9 years ago

    Where do I find the serial number on my adapter?

  5. I order my 5 plugs in the afternoon (on line ) got them in the next morning, and returned the old ones the next day. Well done Apple.

Author

Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.

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