Apple will begin offering a trade-in program for iOS device chargers on August 16 in order to deal with concerns regarding non-Apple USB chargers. In July, a Chinese woman was electrocuted by an iPhone charger, and, after an investigation, it was discovered that she was using a non-Apple charger, which was not put through the regular safety tests.
Many customers have wanted to trade-in their chargers after the original reports came out surrounding the death of Ma Ailun , who died after trying to use her iPhone which was plugged into the wall at the time.
The program will only run from August 16 to October 18 but will allow iPhone users to get an official charger from Apple for $10 instead of the usual $19. Apple states that customer safety is extremely important to them:
Customer safety is a top priority at Apple…That’s why all of our products–including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod–undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.
In order for a customer to be eligible, they will have to bring in their current iPhone, iPod, or iPad to the store. Only one charger per device will be handed out at the discounted price. According to Apple, most third-party chargers are safe, but many customers are still concerned after the story in China broke.
Apple will be accepting third-party chargers at any of their Apple stores or authorized service providers, “We are offering this special takeback program for any USB power adapter made for use with iPhone, iPad and iPod for which you have concerns,” the company states.
Most of the third-party accessories for Apple devices are inherently safe because they are sold at larger Apple retail stores; the chargers to be concerned about are the ones being sold at small local electronics shops.
