Apple Announces USB Power Adapter Takeback Program Following Controversy
August 6, 2013
Following recent reports of faulty iPhone chargers resulting in serious cases of electrocution in China, Apple has announced a special trade-in scheme called USB Power Adapter Takeback Program.
Under this program, you can get rid of any of your iDevice USB power adapters that you deem defective in favor of a properly designed one from Apple.
Starting on Friday next week, Aug. 16, you can drop off your iDevice USB power adapters for disposal at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
If you need a replacement charger for your iDevice, you can take Apple up on its limited-time offer:
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.Prior to announcing this program, Apple had posted an advisory on its Chinese website, urging iDevice owners to use authorized chargers only in light of a couple of unfortunate incidents involving certain third-party adapters. In the first of these incidents, 23-year-old Ma Ailun died after suffering electrocution from a charging iPhone. In the second one, 30-year-old Wu Jiantong was shocked when he was connecting his iPhone to a charger.
