Filed under: Bugs/Recalls, iPhone
Apple ships replacement USB power adapters
It has been a couple weeks since Apple started the recall process for USB iPhone power adapters. According to Apple, these adapters have the risk of their metal prongs breaking off inside the power outlet, creating a shock risk. Many TUAW readers have noted that their replacement power adapters have been received. In addition, Mac|Life has posted some pictures of their replacement, noting that they're shipped in a huge box. They also have a side-by-side comparison of the defective adapter and the replacement -- the only difference being a green dot on the new one.
You can order a replacement on Apple's website, or visit an Apple store starting on Oct. 10. If you exchange your adapter at an Apple retail store, you will need to have your iPhone 3G and your affected adapter.
Thanks, Sean!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Josh said 9:30PM on 10-06-2008
The green dot isn't the only difference. If you pay attention , the tips of the prongs on the new ones are slightly tapered when compared to the original.
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Maurice said 6:45AM on 10-08-2008
Next step is probably european ones. Mine burnt last week and I had a power outage in my appartment. Apple sent me a new one within 48 hours, very impressive ...
totoro said 9:30PM on 10-06-2008
The green dot is not the only difference between my adapter and the new one that just came today-the metal prongs are quite different in shape.
Old one: rectangular at ends
New one: beveled at ends
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totoro said 9:31PM on 10-06-2008
uh, what Josh said :p
PhatPath said 9:41PM on 10-06-2008
Bla Bla Bla
Pics Please...since you have yours !!!
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yoinkers said 9:48PM on 10-06-2008
am I going to hell if I keep the old one and new one? I'm pretty sure I can successfully keep the prongs from breaking off...
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totoro said 9:58PM on 10-06-2008
According to the note in the box-if you don't return the old one, they will charge you $29...not sure how exactly they will do this.
yoinkers said 10:54PM on 10-06-2008
damn. when I registered for it over the internets it asked for my iphone information. I'm assuming they'll charge me through AT&T.
MeatPop said 10:46PM on 10-06-2008
you signed in with your itunes account to submit the form, which most likely has a credit card on file, so if they don't receive the old one expect a little surprise charge.
Jash Sayani said 11:20PM on 10-06-2008
Apple needs to pay a lot of attention to their power adapters.... First the MacBook chargers and now the iPhone adapters...... I also remember the burning iPods in Japan !
Careful Apple.... I see trouble !!
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tommy k said 11:25PM on 10-06-2008
what exactly is the purpose of the green dot?
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Josh said 11:31PM on 10-06-2008
The green dot is to easily distinguish between the defective adapters, and the new ones.
LD said 11:45PM on 10-06-2008
I still see non-green dot adapters in the stores. Shouldn't they have been pulled with the recall?
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Spencer said 1:00AM on 10-07-2008
It's worth noting that you must send back your defective charger or you will be charged. I received my replacement today and nearly threw away the defective unit until I glanced at the instructions for returning the item. It clearly says that if it is not received in 10 days you will be billed... :(
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don said 1:18AM on 10-07-2008
Got mine got mine! :)
http://flickr.com/photos/chowdn/2919884060/
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XIV said 8:42AM on 10-07-2008
I just hope they'll let me have the new power adapter without giving the old one back, since I don't have it !
When I bought my iPhone, they took out the power adapter because it was "dangerous". I just hope I don't have to go back and forth between Apple and my carrier to make them communicate and know I'm not making this up.
We'll see about that Friday!
*crosses his fingers*
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Chris said 11:05AM on 10-07-2008
I walked into the Apple Store in Colorado Springs yesterday, October 6th, told them I wanted to swap my adapter for a new one, and all I had to do was fill out a sign up sheet with my name, address, email, and phone number. I was probably the 25th or so name on that list.
The rep handed me a shiny new adapter with a green dot on it. Didn't have to show him my phone at all. Not sure why anyone would have to wait until the 20th.
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Chris said 11:06AM on 10-07-2008
Oops... I meant to type "Not sure why anyone would have to wait until the 10th".
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c01dphu510n said 11:56AM on 10-07-2008
Do they just give the little brick, or the cable too? When you go in person or via the mail? If they give you a new cable, do you get to keep the old one?
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totoro said 2:05PM on 10-07-2008
No cable, just the adapter and the note telling you to return the old adapter (in a huge box) The box has a DHL return label underneath the label addressed to you, so don't tear it!