AppleInsider Staff
In a post to its support webpage on Monday, Apple announced a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to give customers access to "properly designed adapters" after two people were electrocuted in China.
Starting Aug. 16, customers with concerns about their USB power adapters can take the unit in question to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, where the component will be disposed of in and "environmentally friendly way."
"Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues," Apple's support page, which is viewable in English or Chinese, says. "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."
Replacement adapters are being offered at a special price of $10, or approximate local equivalent, when another USB adapter is turned in. The pricing is limited to one per iPhone, iPad and iPod, and will end on Oct. 18, 2013. Customers taking advantage of the offer must also bring in their iOS device for serial number validation.
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 Takeback Program comes as a direct response to reports claiming two Chinese iPhone users were shocked when plugging in a counterfeit adapter. The incidents left one man in a coma, while a more serious case left a 23-year-old woman dead.
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Charles Martin
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Andrew Orr
60 Comments
I know Apple is doing this to do damage-control when some iDiot spends $1 for a knockoff charger and Apple gets bad PR for it. Personally, I don't think Apple needs to do anything. The user tries to save a buck and me as an AAPL owner thinks the stupidity should be solely and the purchaser's shoulder. Name ANY other phone maker that would even remotely do the same thing in Apple's position... you listening Samsung??
Sad that Apple has to cater to morons that want to cheap out and use this shit. But probably a good move for PR.
Doesn't Samsung already have a 'Takeback Program'? Samsung should take legal action! EDIT: Sorry, my mistake. Samsung has a KICKBACK program. My bad.
It's Apple's fault that Chinese knock-offs are killing people. Kow-tow and apologize. /s/
Just watch. Somehow this will get spun as Apple admitting fault for the counterfeit charger electrocutions.