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Apple Launches Third-Party USB Charger 'Takeback Program'

Monday August 5, 2013 4:31 pm PDT by Jordan Golson
iphone_charger_chinaFollowing the electrocution of a Chinese woman that may have been caused by a counterfeit iPhone charger, Apple will launch a new recycling program on August 16th to dispose of any USB power adapter used with the iPhone and iPad.

The company is also offering official replacement chargers for $10 to anyone who turns in a suspect adapter. The program was first reported by 9to5Mac.
Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. While not all third party adapters have an issue, we are announcing a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters.

Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products — including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod — undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.

Starting August 16, 2013, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. We will ensure that these adapters are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
To get the discounted charger, users can bring any USB power adapter and an iPhone, iPad or iPod to an Apple Retail Store or participating Apple Authorized Service Provider. Only one replacement adapter per device is allowed.

Apple does note that retail stores or service providers cannot give any information about the authenticity or safety of power adapters.

This is not the first time that Apple has introduced a special support program for USB power adapters. In 2008, Apple issued a recall for USB power adapters included with the iPhone 3G. There were a number of reports that the metal prongs on the ultracompact power adapters could break off and get stuck in the wall. To this day, Apple puts a green dot on new power adapters to differentiate them from the older, recalled models.

[ 187 comments ]


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Dulcimer
75 months ago
So I can buy an unofficial charger off eBay for $5, bring it in to Apple and get an official one for $10? That's $5 savings!
Rating: 39 Votes
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ad5ll
75 months ago
If they weren't price gouging everyone by charging people $20 for their "official" power adapter this wouldn't be near the problem.
Rating: 19 Votes
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pixelpro
75 months ago
Good Move. A company that cares!
Rating: 16 Votes
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Mrg02d
75 months ago
This either shows that:
A-Apple is naive
B-Apple chargers cost them nearly nothing.
Rating: 16 Votes
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Four oF NINE
75 months ago
This is a great idea, and a responsible action by Apple.
Rating: 14 Votes
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pgiguere1
75 months ago

This either shows that:
A-Apple is naive
B-Apple chargers cost them nearly nothing.


Or that, you know, Apple's PR know how to turn negative coverage into positive one. It's a brilliant marketing move, and any marketing usually costs money anyway.
Rating: 14 Votes
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Tubamajuba
75 months ago

If they weren't price gouging everyone by charging people $20 for their "official" power adapter this wouldn't be near the problem.


I'm sorry, but it's not Apple's responsibility to worry about how cheap, unlicensed, and occasionally faulty third party chargers are priced. If you don't want to fork over the $20 for an extra charger, you get what you pay for. Would it be nice if the official chargers were cheaper? Absolutely! But they're not, and in my opinion, $20 isn't too much to ask for a well built charger.
Rating: 12 Votes
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BornAgainApple
75 months ago
Apple going above and beyond yet again
Rating: 7 Votes
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Shellbo6901
75 months ago
they should also replace any cord of theirs that gets frayed(since that could also catch fire/shock you, after it frays withing 2-3 months of use), with a new one
Rating: 7 Votes
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Skika
75 months ago

We give them technology they aren't ready for, then act surprised when they kill themselves with it.

It's like the Native Americans with alcohol... did that really improve their lives?


What
Rating: 6 Votes

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