The recent death-by-electrocution of a woman using a third party iPhone charger in China, has pushed Apple to launch a new “Power Adapter Take Back Program.” Apple will take back and replace all 3rd party chargers and give you a replacement Apple charger for only $10 (normally $19).
To take advantage of this deal, you must bring in the third party (meaning not made by Apple) iPhone or iPad charger and your Apple device to any Apple retail store. The replacement USB power adapter covers both iPads and iPhones (both 30-pin and lightning port). Apple claims the old chargers will be “disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.”
Apple released this statement regarding the program: “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”.
This is a smart move for folks at Apple, who want to keep these freak accidents surrounding their devices from happening again, but also because the program brings customers into Apple stores. The take back program is better for your health because death by electrocution does not sound like a good way to go, and its better for the overall health of your gadgets, too. Apple chargers are more reliable and (obviously) built to suit your Apple products, which should decrease the risk that damage may occur during charging.
The program will also be available in the UK for £8 (which was lowered from 15 quid a few days ago), Australia ($14 AUD), Canada ($11 CAD), France and Germany (10 euros), and Japan (1,000 yen).
So, if you have knock-off iPhone charger, I recommend you bring it down to your local Apple store for an easy $10 replacement. Safe charging everyone!
[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[/cf]