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Apple launches 1st generation iPod nano replacement program

by Megan Lavey-Heaton Nov 12th 2011 at 3:30AM

Apple has sent out emails to registered owners of 1st generation iPod nanos stating that certain iPod nanos created between September 2005 and January 2006 might overheat and pose a safety risk. This is because of a manufacturing defect from a single supplier, and the likelihood of problems increases as the model ages. Apple then directs the owner to a replacement program.

There have been some cases of the iPod nano's battery overheating in the past, and while a search on Apple's support site turns up a document, the link is currently not active. The issue turned up previously in 2009, and the Japanese government said in 2008 that three fires were caused in Japan from faulty 1st-generation nano batteries, and that Apple had two other reported cases where people were burned by their iPod nanos.

For those wondering if the emails they received are legitimate, a link to the replacement program can be found directly from Apple's support site for earlier models of the iPod nano and Apple's exchange and repair extension program.

The full email text can be read below.

Show full PR text
Dear iPod nano owner,

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.

This issue has been traced to a single battery supplier that produced batteries with a manufacturing defect. While the possibility of an incident is rare, the likelihood increases as the battery ages.

Apple recommends that you stop using your iPod nano (1st gen) and follow the process noted below to order a replacement unit, free of charge.

Note: This battery issue is specific to the iPod nano (1st gen) and does not affect any other iPod.

Replacement Process

You may order a replacement unit via the web. Click here to begin.

Your iPod nano serial number will be checked to verify that it is eligible for this program. You will receive a replacement unit approximately 6 weeks after we receive your current iPod nano (1st gen).

If you have a personalized iPod nano, you will receive a non-personalized replacement. Make sure to use iTunes to back up any data on your current iPod nano before sending it in for a replacement unit.

Additional Information

Identifying an iPod nano (1st gen):

• It has a black or white plastic front and a silver metal back - later iPod nano models have a metal front and back.

If you need assistance with placing an order, please visit an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) and bring your iPod nano with you for serial number validation.

Your replacement iPod product is warranted to be free from defects for 90 days from the date of service.

Thank you for participating in this program.

Sincerely,

Apple


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33 Comments

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Michael Murdock

Got mine this morning. Next Generation iPod, 8GB to match the 2GB model I sent them :))) Very slick touch screen. Thanks Apple!

December 29 2011 at 2:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
J

I got my replacement yesterday...it's the newest generation (I believe the newest? it may be one generation behind), but it's the square little touch screen one. It's a refurbished nano though, not brand spanking new. I sent in my 2GB and got an 8GB one instead. Merry Christmas indeed!

December 25 2011 at 3:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Techstock2000

Has anyone received a replacement yet??? I sent in two Nanos as soon as the program was announced, but they still show the status of "product replacement pending" on the web site.

:-(

December 15 2011 at 7:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Techstock2000's comment
mariam

hey did you ever receive yours? b/c im having the same problem. its been saying
" product replacement pending" for 20 days already . i dont now if i should contact them or wait some more.

February 04 2012 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian

Just got my replacements, hard to believe but they replaced em with brand spankin new 1st gen iPod nanos! Guess they do have a bunch just layin around....

November 17 2011 at 2:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
chucky3000

I have to go 6 weeks without a device that I use every day...? Hey Apple, how about you send me the replacement and then bill my credit card if I don't return the old iPod within 42 days?

Personally, I hope they DON'T replace it with the latest nano. An iPod should not have a touch screen; I want a player that I don't have to look at to use. 5th generation was the pinnacle of design for this product (wish I had bought one at the time...)

November 16 2011 at 1:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kaz

sounds like you can trade in at an apple store..? maybe i could ask them what I would get in return..?

November 16 2011 at 9:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sheppard

I don't mind upgrading my old iPod. It's been my trusty companion for any lawn maintenance over the years. What worries me about the whole thing is the notice at the end of the email that states that Apple could charge me a diagnostic fee, no more than $100, after having checked out my iPod to see if it needs to be upgraded. At which pint if it don't need repair/replacement Apple will return my original iPod to me - with that fee?! Is this SOP that applies to general repairs and not included in the recall replacement program? My iPod has been well... loved and has quite a bit of wear and tear. I'm wondering if it'd be worth it at this point.

November 14 2011 at 12:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Sheppard's comment
hippie004

Where are you seeing the info about the $100 diagnostic fee? My email mentions nothing about this.

November 17 2011 at 8:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wolverine1939

I have read this also, but when I received my box in the mail that they send out for you to ship your nano to them, it clearly stated on the slip sent with the box that I would be charged nothing if they find nothing wrong with the ipod nano, so do not worry, you will be charged nothing.

December 02 2011 at 9:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Goatman

It's possible if they even wanted to swap them with a new Nano there might be legal issues that wouldn't allow them to do it.

November 13 2011 at 9:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Buzz Mega

I have a Nano purchased a few weeks before I got a duplicate one as a gift. I used the gift one, and the purchased one sat on the shelf. Eventually the gift died. And the purchased one failed to boot up. It never worked. But I loved the form factor, so it went onto my Shelf Of Old Technology. Now this.

Apparently, it will be swapped out for a new, presumably working one. Now I'm sad I didn't hang onto the failed gift unit. Might have qualified for two?

November 13 2011 at 2:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
zzzzzz

I'm not so sure I want to have mine replaced, for a)sentimental reasons, as this was my first iPod and a gift, and b)it is now used exclusively in my car, attached through the factory iPod interface -- if they replace it with a new Nano, I'll lose that functionality.

November 13 2011 at 12:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to zzzzzz's comment
pst

your battery is still being charged in your car. It would be a shame if your car burned up because of an iPod you could have replaced for free. IMHO

November 14 2011 at 11:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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