Cupertino, Calif. — Apple announced a program to swap out USB power adapters included with iPhone 3G models after receiving reports of the adapters’ prongs breaking off in power outlets, creating a risk of electrical shock.
The company said “a very small percentage of the adapters sold” broke and “no injuries have been reported.”
The exchange program will provide a free replacement adapter for all iPhone 3G models sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan and several Latin American countries.
USB power adapters supplied with original iPhones or supplied with iPhone 3G units sold in other countries are not affected, the company said.
Users with the power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned adapter, the company said. In the meantime, users can charge their iPhone 3Gs by connecting it to a computer with the USB cable that came with the iPhone, or by using a standard-sized Apple USB Power adapter (with fold-up prongs), or with a third-party adapter designed to work with the iPhone, such as a car charger, according to Apple.
Replacement adapters will be available starting Friday, Oct. 10.
iPhone 3G owners can order a replacement adapter here or exchange the adapter at an Apple Retail Store starting Oct. 10.
The iPhone 3G’s serial number must be supplied as part of the exchange process.
Complete details, including images to help identify the recalled adapters, are available here.
