Settlement: Nearly 10 Million Apple Users Can Get Refunds, Replacements for Faulty Adapters

Jan. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- (Washington, DC) -- Nearly 10 million Apple laptop owners could be affected by a recent settlement with Apple, Inc. concerning an allegedly defective power adapter.  If the settlement is approved, Apple will replace frayed adapters and reimburse consumers who paid to replace a frayed adapter, up to the full retail value of the product.  

Plaintiffs, represented by co-lead counsel Mehri & Skalet and Zeldes & Haeggquist, brought this case against Apple, Inc. on behalf of a proposed nationwide class of Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro owners. Plaintiffs alleged that the “MagSafe” adapter -- the transformer and power cord that come with the computer -- is defectively designed and manufactured.  Plaintiffs further alleged that these defects can cause the adapter to fray, spark, overheat, melt or otherwise prematurely fail.  Apple discontinued this model of the MagSafe adapter in early 2009 and replaced it with a redesigned model.

“This settlement provides an excellent result for consumers,” remarked M&S Partner Craig Briskin.  “Our objective in this case was to compensate class members for the damages they sustained as a result of the defective design, and we believe we have achieved that goal.”  

The settlement will provide cash payments for class members who had to purchase replacement adapters because their issued adapter failed, and it will also provide an extended replacement program whereby Apple will replace adapters showing signs of strain relief damage for consumers at no charge.  “The claims process is streamlined to help make it easy for consumers to participate in the settlement,” said class counsel Helen Zeldes of Zeldes & Haeggquist, LLP.  “Consumers can even request a duplicate receipt from Apple via the settlement website,” said Zeldes.

The current deadline to submit a claim for a cash reimbursement (from $35 - $79) is March 21, 2012.  All affected adapters, regardless of when they were purchased, are eligible for replacement until the later of May 21, 2012, or three years from the date of purchase. Consumers who wish to seek a replacement adapter should contact their nearest Apple store.

Members of the class include original owners of certain MacBook or MacBook Pro computers and/or purchasers of standalone 60W or 85W MagSafe MPM-1 (“T”) Power Adapters, or who purchased a replacement adapter within the first three years following their initial purchase, and before November 22, 2011.  Eligible class members who have already bought a replacement adapter will receive reimbursements of their purchase costs on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of $79 (the original retail price) if the adapter was replaced in the first year, $50 in the second year, and $35 in the third.

Customers may obtain replacement adapters via an Apple Retail Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by contacting AppleCare.  Consumers may find out more about this settlement, including downloading a claim form, at https://www.adaptersettlement.com, or by calling class counsel at (202) 822-5100.

For more information on the MagSafe Power Adapter Settlement, or to file a claim, visit the settlement website:  https://www.adaptersettlement.com.