Apple has launched an exchange program in 37 countries for certain models of it 5 watt European USB iPhone power adapter. The company says that in “rare cases” the power adapter may overheat and “pose a safety risk.”
The power adapter, which Apple identified as Model A1300, was packaged with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4s shipped between October 2009 and September 2012. It also was sold as a standalone product. The company is letting owners of these chargers replace them at no charge.
Only power adapters sold in the following countries are affected:
Albania
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Israel
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Moldova
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Vietnam
Apple said in order to find out if your power adapter is one involved in the recall, you should look for the model number and color of the letter “CE” on the label between the prongs.
“An affected adapter features Model A1300 and the letters “CE” in solid gray. If you have an affected adapter, discontinue use and exchange it for a new one. You can charge your iPhone by connecting it via a USB cable to your computer until you receive a replacement adapter,” Apple noted in a statement.
The redesigned adapter features Model A1400 and the letters “CE” outlined in gray, Apple said.
“Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority, and we have voluntarily decided to exchange every affected power adapter for a new, redesigned adapter, free of charge. We encourage customers to exchange any affected adapter for a new one as soon as possible using the exchange process below,” the company noted in its statement.
To exchange your old adapter, bring it to any Apple Store retail location or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, along with your iPhone. They will need to check your phone’s serial number before the power adapter can be exchanged.