Last month Apple issued a voluntary recall of its Ultracompact USB Power Adapter for the iPhone 3G.. The UUPAFTi3’s metal prongs were prone to break off and increased the risk of electric shock, fire and iPhone 3G withdrawal from the inability to keep it charged. Users are beginning to receive replacement iPhone chargers offered under Apple’s product recall, which states:
“Apple has determined that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter’s metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock. We have received reports of detached blades involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported.”
The revised adapter, which has already been shipping with most new iPhones, is nearly identical to the old one, except for slightly different prongs. To more easily identify the redesigned adapter, Apple added a small lime-green dot near the prongs as well.
Included with the replacement adapters is a return envelope, in which the old, defective adapters are to be placed and returned to Apple. Users have said that paperwork included with the replacement adapters states that a $29 fee will be charged if the old adapters are not returned.
You can order a replacement on Apple’s website, or visit an Apple store starting on Oct. 10. If you exchange your adapter at an Apple retail store, you will need to have your iPhone 3G and your affected adapter.