When the Apple iPhone 3G was released in Canada on July 11th, nobody suspected that soon to follow would be a massive recall on the included USB power adapter. The root of the problem? Apparently the problems lie in the metal prongs. According to Apple, they “can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock.”
In other words, these ultracompact USB power adapters can turn your house into a flaming inferno if the conditions are ripe enough. The situation with these things got so serious that Apple has agreed to replace them all via the Apple store or their mail away replacement program.
I opted for Apple to ship me another USB adapter and unfortunately I missed the shipment twice because I was at work during the day. So I risked my life and headed down to the DHL office located in one of the sketchiest parts of Vancouver’s Downtown East Side to pick up the adapter. I tried to do the return there but I wasn’t able to! Why? Because Apple, for some unknown reason wants my old adapter to be sent back via UPS! Go figure.
Anyways, the newly designed adapter has a green dot on the back to indicate it’s the new design. I also noticed the prongs are tapered a bit compared to the old one. A printed letter inside provides instructions on how to return your old adapter via the pre-paid return sticker. It also states that there is a 90 day warranty on the new USB adapter and that it’s your responsibility to mail back the old one!
Here are some pics for your reference:
Once again, if you’ve been lazy and haven’t gotten around to getting your replacement USB power adapter, now is the time to do so. Click here to order your replacement via the web! Have you gotten your USB adapter yet? Did yours arrive via DHL or UPS?
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If I return it to an Apple Store, do I just walk in with the power adapter and get it switched on the spot?
What happens if you don’t return the old one?
They charge you for it, because you need to give your credit card info in order to get the replacement.
Where did you have to enter you credit card info? Cuz i didn’t o.o
That’s what I mean, they never asked for my CC information, nor did they give a “value” when ordering the replacement that I would be charged….
Recieved – DHL
Returned – UPS
same
Received it today as well.
1st Received – DHL
2nd Received – UPS
Both Returned – UPS
i think apple is switching over from DHL to UPS. Its kind of a hassle and annoying.
Don’t you need an apple ID though to be able to apply for the exchange?
Yes you do.
I’ve tried to exchange at a store, but they never have them in stock. Finally, I just decided to do it online.
My local Apple Store in Fairview Mall (Toronto) did not have them on the week of October 10th. I went last Saturday again and they had them in stock. All they asked me for was the old adapter and my iPhone for a minute. I think they recorded the serial number of my iPhone by going to Settings. Then, they pulled out a new one and I was set.
Nice. I would’ve dropped by my local Apple Store, but the online option was so much easier (at the time!). 😉
I did mine online and returned the adapter without any problems. I called UPS, they said they would send someone to pick it up the next day. The person came, didn’t ask for any information and picked up the adapter.
Disadvantage of going to the store: if you have a jailbroken iPhone, it could be a problem. What do you think?
UnJailbreak it, and jailbreak it after lol
I got my phone from somebody via craigslist. Can I still get this adapter replacement online or in the store..??
I won’t be returning mine unless it does break… however my 4 year old hasn’t broken it yet so I think it’ll last me the 3 years I’ll need it.
why wouldn’t you return it. its not like it costs you anything to do it and its not worth the risk really
I did mine online for self & wife. Wife’s was ordered way after mine but received 1st. Mine never came & can’t get any answer from apple. Can’t reorder online as they say I already had ordered it! Maybe I’ll walk into a store with it instead.
same here, i ordered online on Oct 18 and now still waiting for the parcel, staffs at Fairview Apple have no idea what’s going on, but to ask me keeping waiting. Too bad there’s no phone number to ask for progress either; any more users experience this?
If I return it to an Apple Store, do I just walk in with the power adapter and get it switched on the spot?
If I return it to an Apple Store, do I just walk in with the power adapter and get it switched on the spot?
If I return it to an Apple Store, do I just walk in with the power adapter and get it switched on the spot?
What happens if you don’t return the old one?
What happens if you don’t return the old one?
What happens if you don’t return the old one?
They charge you for it, because you need to give your credit card info in order to get the replacement.
They charge you for it, because you need to give your credit card info in order to get the replacement.
They charge you for it, because you need to give your credit card info in order to get the replacement.
Recieved – DHL
Returned – UPS
Recieved – DHL
Returned – UPS
Where did you have to enter you credit card info? Cuz i didn’t o.o
Where did you have to enter you credit card info? Cuz i didn’t o.o
1st Received – DHL
2nd Received – UPS
Both Returned – UPS
1st Received – DHL
2nd Received – UPS
Both Returned – UPS
Recieved – DHL
Returned – UPS
That’s what I mean, they never asked for my CC information, nor did they give a “value” when ordering the replacement that I would be charged….
That’s what I mean, they never asked for my CC information, nor did they give a “value” when ordering the replacement that I would be charged….
i think apple is switching over from DHL to UPS. Its kind of a hassle and annoying.
i think apple is switching over from DHL to UPS. Its kind of a hassle and annoying.
Don’t you need an apple ID though to be able to apply for the exchange?
same
I’ve tried to exchange at a store, but they never have them in stock. Finally, I just decided to do it online.
My local Apple Store in Fairview Mall (Toronto) did not have them on the week of October 10th. I went last Saturday again and they had them in stock. All they asked me for was the old adapter and my iPhone for a minute. I think they recorded the serial number of my iPhone by going to Settings. Then, they pulled out a new one and I was set.
Received it today as well.
Received it today as well.
Yes you do.
Yes you do.
Yes you do.
Nice. I would’ve dropped by my local Apple Store, but the online option was so much easier (at the time!). 😉
Nice. I would’ve dropped by my local Apple Store, but the online option was so much easier (at the time!). 😉
I did mine online and returned the adapter without any problems. I called UPS, they said they would send someone to pick it up the next day. The person came, didn’t ask for any information and picked up the adapter.
Disadvantage of going to the store: if you have a jailbroken iPhone, it could be a problem. What do you think?
UnJailbreak it, and jailbreak it after lol
I got my phone from somebody via craigslist. Can I still get this adapter replacement online or in the store..??
I got my phone from somebody via craigslist. Can I still get this adapter replacement online or in the store..??
I won’t be returning mine unless it does break… however my 4 year old hasn’t broken it yet so I think it’ll last me the 3 years I’ll need it.
I won’t be returning mine unless it does break… however my 4 year old hasn’t broken it yet so I think it’ll last me the 3 years I’ll need it.
I won’t be returning mine unless it does break… however my 4 year old hasn’t broken it yet so I think it’ll last me the 3 years I’ll need it.