14 DAY TRIAL // Starting August 16, iDevice owners who have concerns about their USB power adapters can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider and walk out with a genuine model for just $10 / €7.54.
The takeback program comes as Chinese media outlets have reported a strange accident involving the death of a stewardess who reportedly got electrocuted by her fake iPhone charger.
Following these reports, Apple put out a USB adapter guide on its Chinese website to help customers differentiate faux chargers from the real ones.
As an added precaution, the takeback program hopes to rid the market of any potentially hazardous chargers, offering customers the chance to take home a 100% original Apple charger for just $10 / €7.54, or equivalent in local currencies.
Apple acknowledges that “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,” the company says.
To qualify for the replacement, users must arrive at their local store with the charger(s) they want to swap, as well as the iDevice(s) they own, so that Apple can verify the serial number.
“The special pricing on Apple USB power adapters is limited to one adapter for each iPhone, iPad, and iPod you own and is valid until October 18, 2013,” the company adds.
Apple is also keen on informing customers that customer safety is “a top priority,” adding that all of its products “undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.”
Users are also told that the adapters they turn in will ultimately be disposed of in “an environmentally friendly way.”