Apple Recalls Three-Prong Power Adapters Due to Electrical Shock Risk

Apple on Thursday announced a voluntary recall of first-party power adapters that are used in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Specifically, the recall covers three-pronged Apple power adapters designed for use in those countries. Apple said in a press release that those power adapters have a chance of breaking and causing electrical shock if the accessory’s exposed metal parts are touched.

The power adapters in question were bundled with various Mac and iOS devices manufactured between 2003 and 2010, as well as sold as part of Apple’s own World Travel Adapter Kit. The company says it is aware of six incidents worldwide of the adapters breaking or causing electrical shock.

It’s important to note that the safety recall and the risk of electrical shock only applies to the old style of three-prong power adapters. Apple has debuted a new version which should work normally.

The impacted power adapters are white and contain no text on its rear near the slot that attaches to a power brick.

For comparison’s sake, the new style of power adapter does contain text on its rear casing (shown below).

Citing its customers safety as a “top priority,” Apple is asking users of the affected power adapters to immediately discontinue use.

If you don’t own the UK, Hong Kong or Singapore power adapters, there’s a chance that you may own an adapter that is also part of a recall.

Back in 2016, Apple issued a similar voluntary recall covering adapters designed for use in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Argentina and Brazil for a similar risk of electrical shock. Those adapters were shipped with products manufactured between 2003 and 2015.

On the other hand, Apple notes that the recall does not impact any first-party USB power adapters.

Customers will be able to exchange the faulty adapters for the new version free of charge. Impacted users will be able to exchange the adapter at an Authorized Apple Service Provider, an Apple Store, or by contacting Apple Support.

Users will need the Mac or iOS device serial number as part of the process. For more information on the exchange program, you can view the support document that Apple has set up.