I wonder if they would replace an expensive powerstrip or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) if such an event happened and ruined one of those? Apple has received reports of such breakages already, so we know it's happened.
In a clever spin campaign, Apple has called the recall the Apple Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange Program. Ah, yes, we are exchanging the defective merchandise we gave you.
But Apple definitely doesn't need additional bad press about its iPhone 3G, which came out of the gate like a Kentucky Derby winner but has since been hobbled by issues such as poor 3G performance (resulting in multiple lawsuits) and bad battery life. Much of this seems to have been resolved with the iPhone 2.1 software update, but before Apple gets a chance to bask in the glory of a 3G fix, boom!
Of course this recall (oh, I'm sorry, exchange) will cost them millions), but not the multi-millions that an iPhone recall would have cost them, so the software fix enabled them to dodge a bullet there (though I still wonder if a new teardown in a few months would reveal a different 3G chipset).
Details on the exchange program are here. Actual exchanges will not being to take place until Oct. 10th.
There are two ways to exchange your current ultracompact Apple USB power adapter for a new, redesigned adapter.
The two ways to get a replacement:
Apple recommends that owners stop using the adapter immediately. So, the only way to charge: via USB to your computer, using a 3rd party adapter, or one of the standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold up prongs).
Not that you will have one yet, but replacement adapters will have a green dot, as shown.
One more thing: to get a replacement you'll need your iPhone 3G's serial number. This can be found in two places:
