Apple recently issued an update on to its Chinese website instructing potential customers to only use its chargers. Why? Because of recent reports that two people have passed away as a result of electrocution – possibly linked to using third party chargers.
“When you need to charge the iPhone or iPad, we recommend that you use the standard USB adapter and USB cable,” Apple advises on its site. “These adapters and cables are also available separately from Apple and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple always put the user’s safety first, so all of our products are subject to stringent safety and reliability testing, and designed to meet government safety standards around the world, including for the iPhone and iPad USB power adapter.”
The company also shows how to identify its official chargers, pointing specifically to the labeling on its wall warts. Apple’s chargers are more expensive than the ones you can pick up from third-party sellers, which often cost just a few bucks, but you don’t want to risk being electrocuted, do you?
Obviously a lot of people might jump to the conclusion that Apple just wants to make more money by telling people to buy its more expensive products, but it’s probably better to listen and buy something that keeps your product safe and, more importantly, you out of the way of harm.
