After two electric shock incidents involving the iPhone in China, Apple has added a special page [Google translation, via The Next Web] to its Chinese website informing consumers about the identification and use of genuine USB power adapters for the iPad and iPhone.
The page includes a message about Apple’s continued dedication to consumer safety and testing. It also includes diagrams for identifying genuine power adapters for products that use the new Lightning connector and those that use the legacy 30-pin connector.
When you need to charge the iPhone or iPad, we recommend that you use the standard USB power adapter and USB cable. These adapters and cables are also available separately from Apple and Apple Authorized Resellers.
Last week, a Chinese man was left in a coma after receiving an electric shock while charging his iPhone 4, an incident which followed the death of a Chinese woman under similar circumstances. Both incidents apparently involved the use of unauthorized third-party adapters.
Top Rated Comments
Why do people have to use fake ones? I have a hard time believing someone can afford an iPhone or iPad but can't afford a charger.
Why not make iPHones free so everyone can also have them?
This. Why does a USB adapter have to cost $20? Same with the cable. $10 is much more reasonable and will still ensure a profit.
Yeah I'm sure Apple engineers spend time and r&d on that just so they can make more money on accessories. I'm sure Tim Cook walked in to Bob Mansfield's office and told him to do whatever he has to so Apple can charge more for a lightning cable. :rolleyes:
I agree with you, but there comes the point of diminishing returns where a $5 charger might be rubbish quality, a $10 one might be good quality but then Apple would happily charge $30 for something equivalent to the $10 one.
It's the same with cables, beyond a certain point it's just pure profit, the quality doesn't scale up any further.