I find it kind of funny that Apple had to issue a recall for the iPhone 3G power adapter. If you didn’t know it has been recalled, now you know. Originally I had thought that Apple may have rushed the iPhone 3G. Turns out they rushed the power adapter.
Here are the complete details from Apple:
Apple has determined that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter’s metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock. We have received reports of detached blades involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported.
The ultracompact USB power adapters were supplied with every iPhone 3G sold in the following countries, and may also have been purchased separately as an accessory
- US
- Japan
- Canada
- Mexico
- Several Latin American countries (click here for a detailed list of countries)
Note: Apple USB power adapters supplied with original iPhones or supplied with iPhone 3G units sold in other countries are not affected.
Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority, and therefore we have voluntarily decided to exchange every ultracompact power adapter for a new, redesigned adapter, free of charge.
Users with ultracompact power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter.
In the meantime, they should charge their iPhone 3G by connecting it to their computer with the USB cable that came with their iPhone or by using a standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold up prongs) or with a third party adapter designed to work with the iPhone, such as a car charger.
Identifying your adapter
If you purchased an iPhone 3G in any of the countries listed above, you received the ultracompact USB adapter.
Compare your USB power adapter to the pictures below. If it matches, we will provide a replacement adapter in exchange for your current one.
If you have purchased this ultracompact adapter as a standalone accessory, you may also exchange it for a new one. Replacement adapters have a single green dot on the bottom, like this:
If you have an ultracompact adapter with a green dot on the bottom, you already have a new, redesigned adapter and do not need to participate in this exchange program.
The Exchange Process
Replacement adapters will be available starting Friday, October 10, 2008.
There are two ways to exchange your current ultracompact Apple USB power adapter for a new, redesigned adapter.
- Order a replacement adapter via the web. These replacement adapters will ship within three weeks of your order, starting on Friday, October 10.
- Exchange your adapter at an Apple Retail Store starting on October 10.
We’ll need to collect your iPhone 3G’s serial number as part of the exchange process.
If you apply via the web, you will also need to provide your name and address so that we can send you a new adapter along with a shipment box so that you can return the affected adapter to Apple.
If you visit an Apple Retail Store, you need to bring your affected adapter(s) and your iPhone 3G(s) with you to complete the exchange process.
If you live in Latin America, we will announce the appropriate exchange program information before October 10.
Thank you for your cooperation with this exchange program, and we apologize for any inconvenience.
Has anyone been affected by this problem?
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September 20th, 2008 at 8:57 am
No, i think apple is overreacting.
September 20th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Probably
Well this willl probably cost them a few million, I guess it could be less that what a few lawsuits would end up costing them.
September 20th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Thank you for this post. I didnt know about this until now and it’s definitely good to know!
Thank you kindly!
September 20th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I use the 3G dock to recharge my iPhone, so, actually it really dont affect me.. but i’ll still exchange it tho..
September 20th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
@Flop - no, I really don’t think they are overreacting. It’s called CYA - cover your ass. Apple recognized a flaw in the design of the power adapter that shipped with thousands of iPhones, and they are doing the right thing by owning up to this design flaw and making it right. Suppose they didn’t and someone was injured by this - I’ll bet you a lot of people would think that Apple should have been proactive and replaced them all. It all comes down to liability - by offering a replacement program for the power adapters, I hardly think a lawsuit against Apple would stand as they did what needed to be done.
@Ruffdeezy - thanks for the info - I wasn’t aware of this until now, but have ordered my replacement adapter as well.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Did mine, Ive missed out on old product recalls on mac items and paid the price later. Wont let that happen again. Thanks ruffdeezy, didnt see this one yet.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I’ve never used the compact adaptor, always used the sync cable to charge and sync, well, if this is the case, then be safe than be sorry.