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August 07, 2013

Apple Offers USB Power Adapter Replacements Following Electrocution Controversy

Last month, the South China Morning Post reported that Apple was investigating reports that a Chinese flight attendant was fatally electrocuted when getting out of the bath to answer a call on her iPhone 5 while it was plugged into a non-Apple charger.

In response to this, Apple is attempting to remove counterfeit and third-party USB charging adapters for iPhones, iPods and iPads. According to 9to5 Mac, Apple announced that it will start a trade-in program for these types of adapters.

A statement from Apple reads: “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.”

Apple is making the announcement now, but you will have to wait until August 16 to trade in your adapter in the U.S. If you are in China, you can do so in a couple of days on August 9. It will be held at official Apple Retail Stores and Authorized Apple Resellers.

“If you need a replacement adapter to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, we recommend getting an Apple USB power adapter,” Apple said in a statement. “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.”

Neither of these locations will be able to tell you if your adapter is safe or not. What they can do is determine if you have an authentic Apple model, judging by the markings as seen in the image below, but you still cannot tell if it is an authorized third-party model or not.




Edited by Alisen Downey


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