The small AC plug that attaches to the iPhone's USB charging cable is being recalled. Apple warns iPhone owners not to continue using it to charge their phones, given the danger of electric shock. An exchange program will commence soon.

There are two ways to charge your iPhone 3G, both using the USB charging cable that came with the phone.

One is to plug the USB end of the cable into your computer (Mac or PC) while it's turned on—the phone will charge off of USB-supplied power.

The other is to attach a small plug (which also came with iPhone) to the USB end of the cable, and inserting the plug (in the US, it's a standard two-pronged AC plug) into an electrical outlet.

Pretty convenient set of options and very flexible... except that Apple just announced that these adapters are being recalled because "under certain conditions the adapter's metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock."

No word on what these "conditions" are, but Apple is taking no chances. They're instituting an program for iPhone owners to exchange their faulty plugs for new redesigned plugs. The program commences on October 10. Apple recommends that iPhone owners stop using these plugs and charge their phones using the USB method described above, by using a "standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter with fold up prongs" (apparently available as an optional accessory?) or by using a third-party charger.