Apple Charger Replacement Program Expands

Recently it came to light that Apple would be staging a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program.  This was in response to safety issues with some counterfeit USB power adapters for iOS devices.  The program will allow users to buy an Apple USB power adapter for only $10 if they trade in one of their counterfeit units (which we think is really nice of them).

This program was originally only available in the US and China.  However, just six days later Apple expanded the program to customers in Japan, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.  But now, Apple has expanded the program on a global scale, offering the Takeback program for customers around the world, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.  Apple’s power adaptor take back programme will take place in stores until 18 October 2013.  Consumers can buy an authentic USB adaptor for the equivalent of 10 US dollars (£6.51).  Apple chargers normally cost around £15 in the UK.

The power adaptor replacement programme comes after a woman was reportedly electrocuted while using a non-Apple charger.  The alleged incident involved a woman, Ma Ailun, 23, who collapsed and died in China last month after answering a call on her iPhone whilst it was charging.  Apple did not specifically refer to this incident, but hinted at it,   when it launched the charger replacement programme, they 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 take back programme to enable customers to acquire properly designed adaptors.  “Customer safety is a top priority at Apple.”

The reduced price Apple chargers will be limited to one per Apple device per customer.  No need to be greedy folks, stand in line, pay your money, get your shiny new charger and stay safe.  I wonder if we get more Apple stickers?

[Image via ibtimes]

SOURCE: http://m.tuaw.com/2013/08/17/apple-expands-usb-charger-trade-in-program-to-30-countries/