Last year Apple released the latest iteration of the 12-inch MacBook which happens to be the first consumer laptop to make use of the new USB Type-C standard. Fast forward to today, the Cupertino-based tech giant has launched a replacement program aimed at recalling possibly faulty USB-C cable that shipped with the MacBook.
Apple identified that the affected USB cables are those that shipped with the first batch of MacBook that was released in the market and those that are purchased until June 2015. The company said that the cables “may fail due to a design issue”.
A sure fire way to know if the cable you’re using is covered by the replacement program is by checking on the print on the cable. The affected cables don’t have a serial number (seen in the picture above) unlike the newer version.
Under the replacement program, consumers who received an affected cable with their MacBook or have purchased a USB-C cable as a standalone accessory are entitled to get a free replacement cable from Apple.
Users who have registered their MacBook upon purchase will receive the new cable at their doorstep. However, for those who did not go through the product registration or doesn’t have a valid mailing address, they either need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to get a free replacement. They must bring their MacBook to validate if it is indeed covered by the replacement program.
Consumers who paid to have their USB-C cable received prior to the announcement of this new replacement program are encouraged to contact Apple Support for a possible refund.