Apple offers discount to replace third-party chargers

Following concerns raised last month that a third-party charger was responsible for the electrocution of a Chinese woman, Apple has responded by offering a two-month $10 replacement program.

From August 16 until October 18, Apple customers will be able to take their third-party adapters into an Apple store to have them disposed of.

At the same time, provided the customer brings their iDevice with them, they will be able to buy a replacement Apple charger for $10.

"Due to the complexity of testing required to detect an unsafe or counterfeit adapter, Apple Retail and Apple Authorized Service Providers cannot advise you on the authenticity or safety of your adapter," said the Apple web page announcing the program.

"We are offering this special take-back program for any USB power adapter made for use with iPhone, iPad, and iPod for which you have concerns."

Meanwhile, the Cupertino company's developer services sites are yet to return to full, complete operation a fortnight after the company suffered an intrusion in its developer portal.

Services have been slowly returning, and, at the time of writing, three service are still out for the count.

The member centre, Apple developer program enrolment and renewal service, and technical support have been offline since the incident took place in July.