Apple Recalling European Chargers for 37 Countries

The popular iPhone and iPad mobile device maker, Apple, has issued a suggested recall notice across 37 countries including much of Europe for European model iPhone USB chargers for the iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S model phones.

The USB chargers in question are prone to possible overheating in a few cases, but the company is taking no chances. The chargers were sold between October 2009 and September 2012, so any new iPhone sold between those dates could be problematic, as could a separate replacement USB charger bought with Apple branding.

5W European USB Power Adapter

It is specifically the 5 watt European USB power adapter that is being recalled. This will have a model number stamped on the underside of “Model A1300”. This adapter will be replaced free of charge by Apple Computer with a redesigned 5 watt USB adapter “Model A1400”.

How Large Is the Suggested Recall?

The size of the potential recall problem could be substantial. Exact figures are not yet know, but it is known that more than 16 million iPhones were sold in European markets in just 2010 alone, so the number of affected customers could stretch into the millions.

The national markets concerned are diverse. Covering much of Europe and beyond, France, Germany, South Africa, Egypt and Vietnam are just some of the affected countries for the suggested recall, but the UK and USA are unaffected.

The UK has a chunky 3-pronged socket connector which means it needs its own design of USB charger which most likely explains why it escaped the recall.

How To Change The USB Adapter?

Apple have said that owners of a model A1300 charger sold between October 2009 and September 2012 can either exchange them at one of the many official Apple Retail Stores, an Apple Authorised Service Provider or they may get in touch with the Apple Technical Support team to discuss how to sort out a suitable exchange.

For customers who have already purchased a third party replacement USB charger, Apple have confirmed that they will provide a full refund for the cost of the replacement.

Not The First Recall From Apple

Apple previously recalled some chargers due to worries about safety when a Chinese man was electrocuted while using an Apple charger.

The company also previously had some technical problems back in March 2013 with the sleep/wake button at the top of the iPhone 5. The mechanism around the sleep/wake button needed to be replaced by the company to fully resolve the matter for consumers.

Popularity of USB Charging

USB is a popular method of recharging phones because all major computers have USB ports. It is also possible to use USB adapters that can charge faster when the USB cable is plugged into an adapter which in turn is plugged into the electrical socket, as is the case with the problematic chargers discussed above.

Tip: How to Fully Charge USB Devices Like Smartphones and Tablets Twice as Fast

Wireless Charging

Wireless charging has begun to be seen in top models from Nokia, and soon with Apple. But despite the name, the wireless charging pad still needs to be plugged into something to provide the electrical charge (the wireless part is not having to directly plug a cable into the phone).