Apple to Sell Charger Replacements Following Counterfeit Safety Concerns


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Apple will begin selling $10 USB power adapter replacements later this month, following safety concerns over some counterfeit and third party adapters for the iPhone, iPad and iPod.


In July, a 23-year-old flight attendant was electrocuted and killed in China when she allegedly picked up her iPhone 5 to answer a call while the battery was charging, the South China Morning Post reported. The woman may have used a knockoff charger.



Apple said its USB Power Adapter Takeback Program is a response to recent reports suggesting "some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues."


Apple will let customers trade it counterfeit or third party USB adapters for official Apple adapters at a cost of $10 beginning Aug. 16. The limited-time offer — which runs until Oct. 18 — requires you to turn in the old adapter and physically bring your iPhone, iPad or iPod to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for "serial number validation."


Apple added that its own power adapters for iPhone and iPad "undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world." With a usual retail price of $19 for Apple's 5W or 12W USB power adapters, it doesn't come as any surprise that some consumers opt for cheaper options online — but the savings might not be worth the risks.


This is not the first time safety concerns have plagued the iPhone. A plugged-in iPhone 4 in Brazil reportedly began smoking and sparking when its owner was sleeping; in Finland, a man claimed his iPhone 4S caught fire in his pocket; and in Colorado, a woman told Mashable her plugged-in iPhone 4 burst into smoke on her nightstand.


Image: Apple


Topics: apple, chargers, iPad, iPhone, iphone charger, Mobile, Tech




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