Apple Recalls iPhone 3G Power Adapters
News Brief. Get this: Apple calls it the "Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange Program." |
When news is really bad, companies wait until after market close on Friday to announce it. The timing minimizes press (and blog) reports and stock market reaction. Considering how hot a product the iPhone 3G is, a major recall—er, exchange—would otherwise be big news.
The recall applies to power adapters sold with iPhone 3Gs or as separate accessories.
The initial exchange/recall only applies to:
- Canada
- Japan
- Mexico
- United States
Apple also plans to offer an exchange program in Latin America, before Oct. 10. For adapters sold with iPhone 3Gs or separately:
- Columbia
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Peru
For adapters sold as an accessory only:
- Argentina
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Panama
According to Apple's support document for the exchange program: "Apple USB power adapters supplied with original iPhones or supplied with iPhone 3G units sold in other countries are not affected."
Apple will begin making exchanges on Oct. 10, which is another bad news Friday. People can submit a Web form or go to a local Apple Store to get replacement adapters.
Power adapters broken off in electrical outlets prompted the recall/exchange. I have to say, the power adapter for my iPhone 3G did feel kind of cheap. Anybody else have that reaction?
Until the exchanges begin, Apple has this wonderful workaround for the adapters: "Stop using them." Now that's advice, huh. More: "In the meantime, [users] should charge their iPhone 3G by connecting it to their computer with the USB cable that came with their 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."
I thought the iPhone 3G was incompatible with the older USB adapters. Did I get that wrong or did Apple slip a compatibility fix into the iPhone 2.1 update?
Well, iPhone 3G users in the Americas and Japan, that's one big "Happy Friday" to you from Apple.
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