In the wake of a tragic accident, Apple is offering a trade in program to replace potentially faulty third-party power adapters with shiny, new Apple gear. Beginning August 16th, customers can trade in third-party chargers and receive the official Apple equivalent for only $10.
Ma Ailun, a 23-year-old flight attendant with China Southern Airlines was recently shocked to death by a counterfeit Apple charger. This has spawned Apple to do a full investigation. The incident and many others involving knock off chargers led Apple to start the trade in program.
Starting August 16th, customers can bring in their third-party adapters in and get a replacement adapter for $10 or the approximate equivalent in local currency. The promotion will go on until October 18th.
Apple says it will ensure old chargers are properly recycled. To be eligible, you must bring one USB power adapter and your iPhone, iPad, or iPod that you use it with.
Given the price of Apple replacements, $10 is comparatively a great deal. But it’s hardly altruistic on Apple’s part as they are bringing in cash on each replacement. Still, it’s a good faith move by Apple in the wake of several charger incidents.
“Customer safety is a top priority at Apple,” the company wrote. “That’s why all of our products — including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod — undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.”
Find the text of Apple’s announcement. You can find retailers and authorized Apple service providers here.
Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. 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.
Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products — including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod — undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.
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.
Note: Due to the complexity of testing required to detect an unsafe or counterfeit adapter, Apple Retail and Apple Authorized Service Providers cannot advise you on the authenticity or safety of your adapter. We are offering this special takeback program for any USB power adapter made for use with iPhone, iPad, and iPod for which you have concerns.
[Via: Apple]