Apple recalls iPhone 3G power adapters, causes shock hazard
By Justin Montgomery
Not that Apple needed another problem to plague iPhone 3G users, but it announced that the included iPhone power adapters pose a shock hazard, and therefore are recalling all of them sold since mid-July in the U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico and several Central and South American countries.
ComputerWorld is reporting that the company will exchange all eligible adapters free of charge through mail-in or walk-in programs at its own retail stores starting Oct. 10. "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," said Apple, which said that although it had received reports of broken prongs, no injuries had been reported.
Apple has told all users to stop using the adapters immediately, and instead opt for charging iPhones with the cradle hooked to a Mac or PC. Also, users can turn to third-party adapters designed for the iPhone, like car chargers or the larger-sized USB adapter that Apple sells for $29. Interestingly enough, the Ultracompact adapters purchased separately by customers may also be eligible for replacement since they suffer from the same instability. Apple will begin putting a small green dot on replaced adapters to avoid any confusion.
You can order a replacement online starting today, or by taking your current adapter to an Apple retail store starting Oct. 10th. Online orders won’t begin shipping until Oct. 10th as well. All you’ll need is a mailing address as well as your iPhone 3G’s serial number if ordering a replacement online. Likewise, those who ask for a replacement at an Apple store starting next month must also bring in their iPhone 3G.
This marks the first recall for anything associated with the iPhone, and hopefully it’ll be the last. While it’s not a huge inconvenience for users, it will likely be costly for Apple. I’d bet they won’t make the same mistake twice.
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