After China electrocution, Apple offers replacement charger discount

CUPERTINO, Calif., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- After reports of an electrocution in China caused by a faulty iPhone charger, Apple says it will let customers trade third-party chargers for genuine units.

Beginning Aug. 16, Apple will let iPhone customers trade in their non-Apple USB charger for one made by Apple, The Verge reported Tuesday.

Apple said it will dispose of any third-party chargers a user suspects to be faulty and, for a discounted price of $10, will provide a new official adapter. Apple's normal retail price for its USB charger is $19.

"Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third-party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues," the Cupertino, Calif., tech giant said on its website. "While not all third-party adapters have an issue, we are announcing a USB power adapter take-back program to enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters."

In July, Ma Ailun, a 23-year-old flight attendant with China Southern Airlines, was electrocuted when she answered a phone call as her iPhone was plugged into the wall and charging.

Subsequent investigations found she was using a non-Apple charger.

"Customer safety is a top priority at Apple," the company said. "That's why all of our products -- including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod -- undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world."

Apple said the take-back program would last until Oct. 18.