Skip to main content

Apple issues a recall on AC adapters due to a ‘rare’ shock risk

the iphone has not peaked apple 6
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Apple has issued a recall for AC power adapters in five countries and continental Europe for Mac and iOS devices shipped between 2003 and 2015.

The Cupertino company says in a few cases, certain wall plug adapters could break and “create a risk of electrical shock if touched.” Apple says it is aware of 12 incidents worldwide, but didn’t offer specifics as to the countries where the issues arose. It’s the same wall adapter the company included in its $29 World Travel Adapter Kit, so if you bought that as well, you may want to send it back in.

Recommended Videos

The countries affected are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, all the nations of continental Europe, New Zealand, and South Korea. The recall doesn’t affect adapters designed for the U.S., the U.K., Japan, Hong Kong, China, or Canada, and does not affect USB power adapters either.

To exchange your adapter, Apple says you can take it to any Apple Store or any authorized Apple service provider. You’ll need the serial number for the device it was used for in order to exchange adapters. You can also contact Apple Support to exchange the adapter, and for more information about identifying the right adapter, the company has added a support page.

“An affected two-prong plug adapter has either four or five characters or no characters on the inside slot where it attaches to the main Apple power adapter,” the company said. If you’re using an adapter that resembles this description in the aforementioned countries, Apple says to stop using it right away.

But Apple isn’t the only tech giant experiencing such issues. Last week, Microsoft issued a recall for Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, and certain Surface Pro 3 power cords, after a few customers reported their AC power cords were overheating.

While uncommon, it’s not the first time Apple has issued a recall. Last year, the iPhone maker issued a recall for a small batch of Apple TVs, citing a faulty part, and also for its Beats Pill XL, after users complained of the device overheating.

Julian Chokkattu
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Julian is the mobile and wearables editor at Digital Trends, covering smartphones, fitness trackers, smartwatches, and more…
More Apple Stores temporarily close due to uptick in coronavirus cases
Apple Fifth Avenue Store

Apple will temporarily re-close 14 of its Florida stores on Friday, June 26 due to a spike in coronavirus cases.

In total, 32 Apple Stores have re-closed in the U.S. since opening back up because of coronavirus concerns. Apple stores have closed in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Arizona without planned reopening dates. 

Read more
One of the world’s premier supercars hit with recall over fire risk
2018 McLaren Senna

The McLaren Senna could be quite literally too hot to handle for some owners if they don’t respond to a recent recall.

One of the world’s top supercars, the Senna has been called in by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over a fault that could increase the risk of a fire.

Read more
Apple offers free repairs for 3rd-gen iPad Air with blank screen issue
Apple iPad Air

Apple launched a free repair program for third-generation iPad Air units due to an issue that results in permanent blank screens.

According to a post on its website, owners of the affected tablet devices may see a brief flicker or flash before the screen goes white permanently. Apple does not explain the cause of the problem or the specific number of iPad Air units that are expected to carry the issue.

Read more