Apple Announces USB Power Adapter Takeback Program Amidst Safety Concerns

Amidst recent safety concerns caused by reports of a Chinese woman's fatal electrocution when answering an iPhone 5 that was charging, Apple has announced its USB power adapter takeback program.

According to the company who has been careful not to confirm blame of the incident, counterfeit and third party power adapters may not meet the level of safety that Apple's official products do. The American company goes on to say that not all third party products may fall short of Apple's ‘rigorous' safety standards, but the takeback program allows customers to acquire “properly designed adapters”.

Official Apple USB adapters contain a certification label.

Running from August 16th to October 18th 2013, Apple's USB adapter can be purchased for $10 (“or approximate equivalent in local currency”) instead of the usual $19. To qualify for the takeback program, customers must take their old USB adapter and iPhone, iPod, or iPad into an Apple store or Authorized Service Provider and use it to shave $9 off the price of an official Apple USB adapter. The offer is limited to one adapter per device and serial numbers will be recorded.

For more information, read Apple's statement here.

KitGuru says: Good to see Apple offering customers peace of mind. Or is increased profit high on the agenda?

Image courtesy of Apple.

Become a Patron!