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Settlement Reached in Lawsuit over Frayed MagSafe Connectors
Apple today posted a new support document outlining procedures users should follow if they experience strain relief problems with their "T" style MagSafe power cables on various notebook products. Long-standing issues with fraying on those cables resulted in Apple redesigning the MagSafe several years to adopt an "L" style connector that puts less strain on the cable.
While Apple has for several years offered a replacement program to users whose MagSafe adapters (as well as pre-MagSafe "barrel" style adapters) have exhibited signs of strain relief problems, the company has updated its support materials to reflect that a settlement has been reached in a court case over the design of the connectors.
Frayed cable on "T" style MagSafe connector
According to the terms of the settlement, Apple will offer full or partial refunds to customers who purchased replacement adapters and will also continue to cover the cost of replacement adapters for users who have future problems with the issue. Apple will offer users who purchased a replacement adapter within one year of purchase of the original computer a $79 cash payment, with users who replaced their adapters in the second year receiving $50 and those who replaced in the third year $35.
While Apple has for several years offered a replacement program to users whose MagSafe adapters (as well as pre-MagSafe "barrel" style adapters) have exhibited signs of strain relief problems, the company has updated its support materials to reflect that a settlement has been reached in a court case over the design of the connectors.
Frayed cable on "T" style MagSafe connector
According to the terms of the settlement, Apple will offer full or partial refunds to customers who purchased replacement adapters and will also continue to cover the cost of replacement adapters for users who have future problems with the issue. Apple will offer users who purchased a replacement adapter within one year of purchase of the original computer a $79 cash payment, with users who replaced their adapters in the second year receiving $50 and those who replaced in the third year $35.
The settlement will provide a cash payment if you are the original owner (by purchase or gift) of certain Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro computer models (“Subject Computer”) or separately purchased an Apple 60W or 85W MagSafe MPM-1 (“T”) Power Adapter (“Adapter”), your Adapter showed signs of Strain Relief Damage, and you purchased a Replacement Adapter within the first three years following the initial purchase of the Subject Computer or Adapter. If the court approves the settlement, you may be entitled to a cash payment in the following amounts depending on whether you purchased your Replacement Adapter during the first, second or third year following the initial retail purchase of the Subject Computer or Adapter: (a) first year, the actual amount you paid (excluding taxes and shipping/handling fees) up to a maximum of $79; (b) second year $50; (c) third year $35. There is a limit of three refunds per Subject Computer. You may also be able to obtain a Replacement Adapter at no charge from Apple if your Adapter shows signs of Strain Relief Damage now or in the future.The settlement program is open to all purchasers of machines with T-style MagSafe power connectors who provide a valid claim form and proof of purchase for the replacement adapter. Users have until March 21, 2012 or three years from the date of original purchase, whichever is later, to file a claim for a previously-purchased replacement adapter. Apple will cover current and future replacements free of charge through December 31, 2012.
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96 months ago
Interesting to know. I am on my original from 2006 still, as well as a 2008 varient on this MBP.
I can't say that I like the L-Style connector though, it either points out back, or forward blocking a couple ports.
Same here. What are people doing that they keep fraying- especially the poster who stated he went through SEVENTEEN MagSafe adapters. That's abnormal and the problem does not seem to be the cords, but the way he's using them.
I also much prefer my T-Style. Much better for my outlet location and the way I work with my MacBook.
96 months ago
My 2008 Macbook had the "T" style, and after a good year or two frayed out and stopped working. Being cheap, I had the repair done by my father, an electrical engineer. The housing of the connector had to be removed and a 2x4 lego was a perfect fit. A little hot glue, some super glue, and a small hole later I had a perfect charger.
96 months ago
what about the L style adaptors as we have same problem with the L style adaptors went through like 10 of the T Style then one day I went in and gave us the L style but have still gone through at least 7 of the L style so they aint any better then the T style.
HOW THE **** do you go through at least 17 ****ing cables, then have the gall to blame it on Apple? I mean, do you think that just MAYBE, you're doing something absolutely ridiculous to the cable? In 4 years of owning macbooks and both types of cables, with daily usage, I haven't frayed one. As for the L style, I don't see how its possible to even fray, let alone 7 TIMES. So I'm actually curious to what you're doing to the cable, because you're probably the only human being on the planet that has gone through that many. That, or you're just flat out lying.
96 months ago
I have never seen the 2nd pictured L style connector. What does that come with? It looks hideous
96 months ago
Interesting to know. I am on my original from 2006 still, as well as a 2008 varient on this MBP.
I can't say that I like the L-Style connector though, it either points out back, or forward blocking a couple ports.
I can't say that I like the L-Style connector though, it either points out back, or forward blocking a couple ports.
96 months ago
Have one since 2006 and it's still looking quite good. It looks exactly how you use it.
96 months ago
what they really need to replace is the USB cable that goes from the iphone/ipad to Macbook.
96 months ago
what about the L style adaptors as we have same problem with the L style adaptors went through like 10 of the T Style then one day I went in and gave us the L style but have still gone through at least 7 of the L style so they aint any better then the T style.
Apple is not responsible for your dog or cat chewing on the cable or someone obsessively plugging and unplugging it over and over again.
96 months ago
As an IT guy, this isn't just an Apple issue. It's across the board for mobile users. Power connectors are strained more than any other cord used. The bends, bending, re-bending, plugging in, unplugging and careless ripping them out, being tripped over and the like - will cause this issue over time.
Again, it happens to pretty much ALL power adapter cords. Some more than others. The ones more prone to fraying quicker - have THINNER power cords such as Apple's and Dell's early laptop models and some newer models. Most manufacturers have beefed up their power cords to help alleviate this issue. It still exists and will always exist.
It's just the nature of the mobile computing beast. Users that understand it and are aware, will take an extra step to be easier on the cords and more careful with position. That alone should eliminate the issue altogether if not reduce it by a large margin.
Those who have the issue consistently, need to stop being abusive to the cords and treating them like garbage because that's the only thing that causes continuous, excessive failure.
Again, it happens to pretty much ALL power adapter cords. Some more than others. The ones more prone to fraying quicker - have THINNER power cords such as Apple's and Dell's early laptop models and some newer models. Most manufacturers have beefed up their power cords to help alleviate this issue. It still exists and will always exist.
It's just the nature of the mobile computing beast. Users that understand it and are aware, will take an extra step to be easier on the cords and more careful with position. That alone should eliminate the issue altogether if not reduce it by a large margin.
Those who have the issue consistently, need to stop being abusive to the cords and treating them like garbage because that's the only thing that causes continuous, excessive failure.
96 months ago
How long until the fraying issues with the usb dock cables are resolved? Apple cables just flat out suck.
Ironically, I've never had a problem with my MagSafe cables, however.
Ironically, I've never had a problem with my MagSafe cables, however.
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