iPhone USB adapter recall announced

If you think that your iPhone's ultracompact USB power adapter is the coolest thing around, think again; Apple has announced an exchange program for the teensy wonders, as apparently they have a very infrequent habit of prong-snapping, leading to a risk of fire. Check to see if your adapter has a green dot like the one pictured here; if so it is already up-to-date and does not need replacement.

You can get details on the exchange program from Apple's site or in the 2nd half of this post. Exchanges begin on October 10, both online and in person at Apple retail stores. Be careful out there.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in.Important Safety Notice
Today Apple announced the Apple Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange program.

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.
Share