Apple is facing some criticism for charging to replace some third party USB power adapters that according to the company could pose safety concerns.
Following controversy after a Chinese flight attendant passed away due to being electrocuted while answering her iPhone after getting out of the shower, while the device was charging with a fake charger, Apple is offering adapters replacements.
At the time, the woman’s family was sure that she was using genuine Apple products to charge her phone, but Fortune reported that customers can find very credible products that look like the real thing, but aren’t, especially in China.
Now, in the face of this development, Apple is offering an exchange program to replace chargers, for a $10 fee.
But should the electronic giant offer the replacement for free?
Their products are expensive and after the company decided to change all the ports and force consumers to dish up some more money to upgrade chargers, this makes them look cheap.
Apple makes plenty of money and should be able to take a small hit, comparatively speaking, and show some good will towards its loyal customers.
Yes, they are in the business of making money, but they are also in the business of keeping customers happy.
Apple’s exchange program states,
“If you need a replacement adapter to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, we recommend getting an Apple USB power adapter. For a limited time, you can purchase one Apple USB power adapter at a special price, $10 USD or approximate equivalent in local currency. To qualify, you must turn in at least one USB power adapter and bring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to an Apple Retail Store or participating Apple Authorized Service Provider for serial number validation.”
Apple was widely criticized for the new generation chargers, which basically left customers hanging and with no choice but to buy expensive new ones for their iPhone, iPods, and iPads.
The fact that people are buying these third-party chargers should indicate to the company that they are trying to save money because they consider Apple’s products costly.
According to their website, the Apple exchange program begins on August 16. 2013 and is limited to one adapter. The program is only valid until October 18.
$10 for power adapters is not much, when you take into account the billions of dollars Apple makes, so why not do it for free?
What do you think of Apple charging for their power adapter exchange program?
