If you’re an Apple user, then hold on! Macbooks, iPods, iPhones and iPads purchased between 2003 and 2015 may have been sold with a potentially fatal power adaptor.
According to Apple, some two prong AC adapters may pose an electric shock risk. There were 12 incidents reported throughout the globe, resulting in a voluntary recall.
The affected Apple adapters were shipped with MacBooks and iPads, and older models of iPhone and iPod, between 2003 and 2015, including in Australia and New Zealand. Also included in the recall are adapters purchased in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit, which includes wall adaptors for multiple regions.
The company’s website cites customer safety as a top priority, noting this as the reason behind the recall. Keep in mind, the recall is voluntary and not imposed by the government or any safety agency.
Not every adapter for every Apple product worldwide is included in this warning. Again, it’s only the two prong adapters sold with certain iOS devices (including Macs, iPhones, iPods and iPads as well as adapters included in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit). These adapters were only designed for use in Australia, New Zealand, Continental Europe, Brazil, Korea and Argentina. If you traveled out of the country and bought an Apple (or have an iOS product from another area), adapters designed for the U.S., the U.K., Hong Kong, Japan, China and Canada are not part of this recall alert.
If you’re still not sure whether you Apple adapter is a potential shock hazard, the guide below will outline which one is affected.  These adapters have either no characters or four or five characters on the inside slot.
- Adapters designed for Australia, New Zealand and Argentina have flat angled blades.
- Those designed for use in Continental Europe have round thin pins with a slight slant inwards.
- The Korean adapters have round thick pins, and those for Brazil have round thin pins.
What happens if you have one of these adapters?
To start with, don’t continue using it. You can exchange it at an authorised Apple service provider or at an Apple Store. Before exchanging it, Apple must verify that your iOS device includes the correct serial number for the affected adapters.
- You can find your iPhone, iPad, iPod or iPod touch serial number by going to your device’s Settings>General>About.
- If you have a Mac, select About This Mac from the menu.
If you’re still unsure, Apple recommends contacting their Support service for help.
Have you already noticed something wasn’t exactly right with your adapter? If you’ve experienced this issue and paid for a replacement part, Apple will issue a refund. What about the rest of your Apple product? The recall won’t affect any existing warranty rights for your product.
For those of you who’ve bought an Apple device anytime in the past 12 years, take a look and check the number on the adapter. Even if you’re fairly certain your plug is in perfect working condition, the problem with these adapters isn’t necessarily something that you’ll see – at least, not until it’s too late.
