Apple Recalls PowerBook, iBook Batteries [Updated]

by , 1:10 PM EDT, August 24th, 2006

Apple announced on Thursday that it is voluntarily recalling about 1.1 million batteries used in PowerBook and iBook laptops. The batteries in the recall should be exchanged immediately since they can potentially overheat pose a burning hazard.

Laptops in the recall include
Computer Battery Model Serial Number Range
12-inch iBook G4 A1061 ZZ338 through ZZ427
3K429 through 3K611
6C510 through 6C626
12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 ZZ411 through ZZ427
3K428 through 3K611
15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 and A1148 3K425 through 3K601
6N530 through 6N551
6N601

The batteries in question were produced by Sony for Apple - the same company that manufactured the laptop batteries that Dell is recalling. Sony stated that the affected batteries may have microscopic metal particles in the battery cells. If the particles come into contact with other parts of the cell, they can cause a short circuit. In most cases, the battery will simply shut off. In some situations, however, they may continue to operate and overheat or potentially burst into flames.

Apple has additional information about the battery recall on its Support Web site, and users can also call the recall hotline at 1-800-275-2273. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site is also listing the battery recall information.


Your model and serial numbers are on the bottom of the battery.

The battery model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of your laptop's battery, so you will have to remove the pack from your computer to see the numbers.

[This article has been updated with additional information about the recalled batteries.]