Apple Recalling Verizon iPad 2s

Apple is recalling iPad 2 tablets using Verizon's 3G network due to an issue with the units' mobile equipment identifier (MEID) numbers, 9to5Mac reported Friday.
An MEID is a globally unique number associated with mobile devices like tablets or smartphones that carriers like Verizon use to identify such equipment on their networks.
One tipster quoted by 9to5Mac said after having trouble getting on Verizon's 3G network with a newly purchased 16GB iPad 2, Verizon said there was "a batch of iPad 2s with duplicate MEIDs ... out there" on the market. The tipster was told to exchange the faulty iPad 2 for a new one at an Apple Store.
Unique MEIDs, consisting of an 8-bit regional code, 24-bit manufacturer code, and a 24-bit manufacturer-assigned serial number, are needed to push out wireless service to tablets and other mobile devices. The identifying number string is "burned," or hard-coded into devices and resistant to modification, meaning a duplication issue would certainly justify a product recall.
Apple Stores are also reportedly offering $50 store credits to customers who have to exchange their Verizon iPad 2s for new ones due to the glitch.
9to5Mac first reported rumors of a Verizon iPad 2 recall Thursday when it received tips that iPad 2 shipments from China to the U.S. were being re-routed.
The site first speculated that an error with the shipper had occurred as tips came in from people awaiting new Verizon iPad 2s who noticed via Fed Ex tracking numbers that their packages were being re-routed.
But by Friday it seemed far more likely that the MEID issue was the reason for the recall, as 9to5Mac learned that "Apple Store employees are being told to scan iPad 2s and if they are [within] a certain serial number allotment, to send them back to Apple."
Verizon referred PCMag to Apple for an explanation of the reported iPad 2 recall. Apple had not responded to a request for information as of Friday afternoon.