Apple Replacing First Gen iPod nanos Over Faulty Batteries

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Apple launched a worldwide replacement program for first generation iPod nanos on Friday that may have defective batteries. The units in question pose a potential safety risk thanks to a manufacturing problem that could cause the batteries to overheat.

iPod nano battery hazardSome first gen iPod nanos have defective batteries

In an email to iPod nano owners, Apple stated:

Apple has determined that, in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod nano (1st generation) may overheat and pose a safety risk. Affected iPod nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006.

The likelihood that the defective batteries will overheat increases with age, and the affected first generation models in the replacement program are over five years old now.

Apple has a Web page set up where first generation nano owners can see if their unit is eligible for replacement. Getting your replacement, however, won’t be quick because Apple is saying it will send out your not-so-hot iPod about six weeks after you send in your current model.

Assuming your iPod nano is eligible for replacement, Apple assign will send you a box for shipping and will give you a Repair ID number so you can track your iPod’s status.

Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet

Jeff is the Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of "The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X" from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also co-hosts the We Have Communicators podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other podcasts, too. Jeff dreams in HD.

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2 Comments

knightATC

Any idea what Apple is replacing the defective units with?  I have one of the iPods in question and am being sent the shipping box, but as yet, no idea what the replacement will be.

Jeff Gamet

Any idea what Apple is replacing the defective units with??

Apple isn’t saying what they’re replacing the defective iPods with so far. I’m really curious to see if we end up with first gen nanos as replacements (which I think is pretty likely), or some newer model.

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