Apple announced this afternoon a new program to allow customers to exchange their suspect third-party USB power adapters to purchase a new one for $10 (in local currency) for a limited time, a limit of one per iPhone, iPad or iPhone:
Starting August 16, 2013, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. We will ensure that these adapters are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
If you need a replacement adapter to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, we recommend getting an Apple USB power adapter. 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.
Apple says the new program is to “enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters,” as customer safety is the priority for the company.
The new program has launched amidst a recent event where a 23-year old woman in China was allegedly killed via electrocution when answering her iPhone 5 while it was charging. Apple immediately announced it would investigate the death.
Back in the fall of 2008, Apple recalled their iPhone USB power adapters over concerns some defective units had prongs that would break off and remain in power outlets. From that point forward, USB power adapters with a green dot indicated the redesigned adapter safe for use.
Let us know if you’re going to jump on this program to exchange your third party chargers for ten bucks. The 5W and 12W power adapters are regularly-priced at $21 and $19 respectively from Apple.
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I’ll be buying another 12w cube, for sure!
Definitely a deal.
I don’t know if someone can bring a 3rd-party 5w charger to get a $10 12w cube…. will have to see 🙂
I don’t get it can we exchange our old third party adapters for a new one free of charge? Or do I have to buy one for 10$?
Exchange for one. Or buy a new one for $10.
Thx 🙂
Sorry, I have made a mistake. You need to exchange an old one to qualify for the $10 charger.
Is there a known problem with some adapters?
I just realized that my old iPhone 3G charger has been recalled… Thanks!!
I have several cheap eBay adapters that don’t charge well so I’ll turn them in.
Are they replacing car chargers as well?
do you think its just for the charger? or will it include the usb cable as well?
Do you think I would be able to exchange an international charger (ie HK ipad 3charger) for a Canadian charger?
It’s worth a shot.
Its really a great product from Apple…Apple’s PR know how to turn negative coverage into positive one. It’s a
brilliant marketing move, and any marketing usually costs money anyway.
I was expecting people to bring brand new third-party adapters they got for a
couple bucks just in order to get the discount. Not that it won’t help
to avoid people from being electrocuted, but it will create unnecessary
waste. Still a good move overall.