Apple Issues iPhone 3G Power Adapter

Apple today issued a recall for certain iPhone 3g Power Adapters. The adapters came with new iPhones and could be purchased separately as an accessory. The recall includes iPhone 3G's that were purchased in the US, Mexico, Canada, Japan and several Latin American countries. Here is the text of the recall notice:

CUPERTINO, California—September 19, 2008—Apple® today announced that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter’s metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating the risk of electric shock.

Apple has received reports of detached prongs involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported.

Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority so it has voluntarily decided to exchange every ultracompact power adapter for a new redesigned adapter, free of charge. For more details on the exchange program please visit www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

iPhone 3G users can get replacements by filling out this web-based Exchange Program form or by requesting one at an Apple store starting October 10th.. You'll need your iPhone serial number which can be found on your iPhone under Settings>General or by plugging the phone into your Mac and opening iTunes to your iPhone screen. Apple states:

Users with ultracompact power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter.

In the meantime, they should charge their iPhone 3G by connecting it to their computer with the USB cable that came with their iPhone or by using a standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold up prongs) or with a third party adapter designed to work with the iPhone, such as a car charger.

For more information see this Apple support article.