Apple launches power adapter swap program

Apple will offer its official power adapters at about half price to customers that currently use third-party or counterfeit adapters to charge their iDevices.

The move comes after 23-year old Ma Ailun from Xinjiang, China, received a fatal electric shock while answering a call on her iPhone 5 that was charging at the time.

Apple Australia has not said if the exchange program will be available here.

"We are offering this special takeback program for any USB power adapter made for use with iPhone, iPad, and iPod for which you have [safety] concerns," Apple said.

Apple USB power adapters will be available at a substantial discount, US$10 or the equivalent in local currency, the company said.

Normally, the price for a 12-Watt USB adapter is US$19 ($25 in Australia).

Customers are limited to buying one adapter per device they own until October 18 this year, and must return at least one third-party or counterfeit power plug on purchase.