Why is Apple recalling its two-prong AC wall plugs sold between 2003 and 2015?

Apple has issued a voluntary recall on millions of its two-prong AC wall plugs sold between 2003 and 2015.

The company’s decision comes after at least a dozen reported incidents of the plugs breaking and causing electric shock. 

These plugs came with Macs and other iOS devices, and were mostly sold in Continental Europe and five other countries as part of Apple’s World Traveler Adapter kit. As such, the recall is limited to only those who purchased the plug in:
• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Continental Europe
• New Zealand
• South Korea

The prong type of the recalled adapters is as follows:
Type: Round, thin pins, slightly slanted inward
Location: Continental Europe

Type: Round thick pins
Location: Korea

Type: Flat, angled blades
Location: Australia, New Zealand, Argentina

Type: round, thin pins
Location: Brazil

The recall does not apply to the following countries, all of which make up a large collection of Apple’s largest customer base:
• Canada
• China
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• UK
• US

Anyone who believes they’re affected by this recall can take their plug to a local Apple store to have it replaced. New plugs can also requested by visiting Apple’s website.
www.apple.com/support/ac-wallplug-adapter 

This is the third product recall Apple has issued in the past few months. Recently, the company encouraged owners of its Beats loudspeaker systems to cease using the kit because it posted a fire risk. And early last year, Apple launched a camera replacement program for the rear camera on particular iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices (defect caused photos taken with the back iSight camera to come out blurry).

Upon announcing the recall for the AC plug, Apple noted the recall was being issued because customer safety is the company’s “top priority.”

Via Apple