That new MacBook you just purchased? Apple is recalling the USB-C cables due to charging flaws

If you’re having trouble getting your new MacBook to charge, you’re not alone. Apple is recalling its USB-C power cables for its new 12-in. laptop due to a “design issue” which fails to charge the device.

While only a limited number of the 2 million USB-C charge cables shipped with the MacBook laptops were susceptible to the flaw, the issue also affects cables sold as optional accessories. Apple didn’t specify what exactly the flaw consists of, but MacBooks using the affected cables may not charge or may only charge intermittently.

Apple introduced the new USB-C port and connector to its MacBooks in March 2015 as a decision the company saw fit to combine multiple port functions – power, data input/output, accessories, and display connection – into one.

USB-C cables carry notably more power than its predecessors and were designed to be the one cable for charging and connectivity via computers, tablets, smartphones, and other electronics. If the USB-C cables do not comply with USB specifications, they are at risk of damaging computers and even have the potential to create electrical fire risks.

To replace the affected cables, Apple is promising to automatically ship customers—who have provided their address with a product registration or purchase—a new one by the end of February. The affected USB-C cables are distinguishable by their lack of printed serial number printed on them. Customers may also replace the recalled cables at Apple retail stores or authorized third-party vendors.

This is Apple’s second power cable recall, following the affected two-prong AC wall power adapters that were sold with Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and iPods between 2003 and 2015.

Source: The Guardian