Apple has announced a product recall for its ultracompact iPhone 3G AC adapter, after some users have reported that the prongs can snap off in the wall-socket and thus present an electric-shock hazard. Adapters from five specific areas are affected: the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico and several Latin American countries.
Anybody with an adapter - either provided with their iPhone 3G when bought new, or purchased as an aftermarket accessory - is asked to check it to see if it matches the image above. Replacement adapters - which more recent buyers will have - are marked with a green dot near the pins.
The exchange program begins on October 10th (so you still have plenty of time to accidentally electrocute yourself), and owners will be able to apply either online (it will apparently take up to three weeks to receive a new adapter through the post) or in-store. Both will require your iPhone 3G serial number and the return of the old adapter.
I don’t consider social security my future retirement, I don’t look for free stuff, I didn’t care about welfare when I lived below the poverty line, I’m not democrat, I didn’t have an easy life like the hollywood politicians, and I don’t look for ways to sue. When something breaks and becomes dangerous, I use my brains. Is this recall worthless for somebody like me, or is it really a defect? It kind of looks like a lawyer made his contribution to the world, and that’s all.
Ha, I see your point CG. I’m not sure exactly how likely the AC adapter is to break; Apple did say it’s only happened a few times – but then they’re likely to say that, aren’t they!
The way I see it, it’s a free replacement and if you register online and don’t mind waiting you can avoid making the trip to the nearest Apple store. I don’t know if you have kids, or guests who might touch things, but while you know not to mess with something dangerous there might be other people around who don’t.
Plus if you end up selling your iPhone 3G it might become an issue. I’d say just fill in the online form and let Apple handle the hassle.