Apple Offers Charger Trade-In Over Safety Fears
Apple unveils a global programme to replace counterfeit USB power adaptors after a Chinese woman was electrocuted.
8:29pm, Tuesday 06 August 2013 Apple devices charging
An authentic USB adaptor for Apple devices will cost less under the scheme
Apple has unveiled a worldwide programme to replace third-party and counterfeit USB power adaptors at a cheaper price.
The decision comes after a Chinese woman was reportedly electrocuted while answering her phone as it was being charged with a non-Apple device.
The technology giant has said consumers can buy an authentic USB adaptor for around $10.
Apple chargers normally cost around $19.
Ma Ailun, 23, collapsed and died in China last month after answering her iPhone as it was charging.
In a statement, Apple said: "Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third-party adaptors may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues.
"While not all third-party adaptors have an issue, we are announcing a USB Power Adaptor Takeback Programme to enable customers to acquire properly designed adaptors.
"Customer safety is a top priority at Apple."
Phil Buckle, director general of the Electrical Safety Council in the UK, warned about the dangers of cheap USB chargers.
He said: "Whilst everyone loves a bargain, if a cheap electrical product turns out to be fake then it is, at best, a waste of money.
"At worst, it could result in the death of a loved one.
"More than four million counterfeit goods were seized coming into the UK last year and one of the top fakes was phone chargers.
"This is worrying as faulty electrical goods are a leading cause of severe electric shock in the UK and cause thousands of house fires each year."
The Apple initiative will take place at stores and participating authorised service providers from August 16 to October 18.
Anyone who wants to take up the offer will have to provide the serial number of their iPhone, iPad or iPod, and hand over a USB charger.
The reduced price Apple chargers will be limited to one per Apple device.
