Almost a month after faulty iPhone chargers were linked to the fatal electrocution of a 23-year-old woman and the hospitalization of a 30-year-old man, both in China, Apple has announced it will offer a trade-in program for third-party charging devices. The announcement comes in the wake of third incident on July 25 that left an Australian woman hospitalized with shock injuries.
Initially, Apple issued no official comment on the incidents, only updating its Chinese website with a warning urging users to avoid third-party charging devices.
Now, the company has taken action with a program beginning Aug. 16 that will allow users to return third-party iPhone, iPad and iPod USB power adapters to Apple retail stores or authorized service providers. Users will then be able to purchase Apple-made replacement chargers at a reduced cost.
“Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues,” Apple said on its website. “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.”
Apple did not release a list of specific brands or charging devices that may pose a risk to consumers, noting that it cannot advise users on the safety of third-party chargers “due to the complexity of testing required to detect an unsafe or counterfeit adapter.” Instead, the company will accept trade-ins on all third-party charging devices.
View the full release here.
