Apple Recalls iPhone, iPad Chargers Over Electrocution Fears

Apple is recalling some two-prong plug adapters designed for use in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand and South Korea amid fears they could electrocute users.

The adapters in question were shipped with iOS devices over the past 12 years and with the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit.

Adapters sold in the UK and other countries are not affected, unless sold as part of the travel kit, nor are USB adapters.

Apple recall

“In very rare cases, affected Apple two-prong wall plug adapters may break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched,” said the company. “These wall plug adapters shipped with Mac and certain iOS devices between 2003 and 2015 and were also included in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit. Apple is aware of 12 incidents worldwide.”

Apple says customers should stop using their adapter immediately and visit a special website to find out how to exchange their charger for a new one.

Only last week, Microsoft voluntary recalled some Surface Pro chargers after it was claimed they could overheat and cause a fire.

Last year, EE was forced to recall more than a million free power bars it gave to customers as part of a promotion. One customer suffered severe burns after her unit caught fire in the middle of the night, prompting an “urgent investigation”, which found a small number were prone to overheating.

In 2013, HP issued a recall for Chromebook 11 power chargers following overheating reports, while in 2012, Lenovo recalled more than 160,000 of its all-in-one ThinkCentre PCs.