Apple recalls 1.8 million Sony batteries

Written by: Adam Christianson

Categories: News

Looks like Apple’s battery issues continue to escalate. On Thursday Apple issued a recall of 1.8 million Sony-built laptop batteries. The issue appears to be rather serious as the reports state batteries could overheat and catch fire. Apple has received nine reports from customer of lithium-ion battery packs overheating including two incidents where customers were burned. Just 10 days ago Dell computer issued a similar recall of 4.1 million batteries also manufactured by Sony.

This latest Apple recall effects PowerPC based systems and does not include the new Intel-based MacBooks or MacBook Pro systems, although some of those models are covered by a prior Apple battery replacement program. This new recall covers 12-inch iBook G4s, 12-inch PowerBook G4s and 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptops sold in the United States Worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006. If you own one of these models Apple is advising that you stop using the battery immediately and remove it from your notebook. Customers may continue to use their Macs while plugged in under AC power, but are asked to check Apple’s web site or call 1-800-275-2273 to see if a replacement is required. Replacement batteries will be provided by Apple free of charge.

There are 16 comments on Apple recalls 1.8 million Sony batteries:

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  1. Sam | Aug 24 2006 - 01:06

    You Know that something that Apple owns is spelled Apple’s not Apples. Just a little grammar check for ya!

  2. Gerhard | Aug 24 2006 - 01:15

    This is kind of funny. I bought my iBook late in 2004 and this is the second Battery Replacement Programm it is affected by. Seem`s like i`m getting a new battery every year :-)

  3. Joseph E. | Aug 24 2006 - 04:08

    I just clicked and found out that I had a recall. I had looked at the LG battery recall and thought I was fine. I knew mine wasn’t made by LG, but it turns out it’s a sony. Now I can’t find the LG Recall. I signed up and i should be getting a box.

    Anyway I am glad apple released this so we can be safe from exploding batteries (unless they recall these new ones we’re getting)

    — applgeek

  4. Rod | Aug 24 2006 - 10:15

    I am like one of the previous posts…this will be my second battery replacement. What is Sony doing wrong I wonder?.

  5. Chris Meisenzahl | Aug 25 2006 - 04:14

    I bought my 12″ iBook in February ’05. I was affected by the first recall, but not this one, just checked last night. ;-)

  6. david scott | Aug 25 2006 - 07:48

    Adam
    Thanks for the heads up. When I heard this on the radio I’d no idea my early 2004 iBook would be covered. New battery is on its way.
    David

  7. Gregg Ball | Aug 25 2006 - 11:34

    Well my refrub iBook G4 which I got back in early 2005 is effected. I wonder how long it takes to get a battery to the UK. The website said that I had to wait about 4 – 6 weeks for a replacement. At least it’s free… Even though my portable, isn’t portable now…

    Must go now, I can smell a burnt battery… :-)

  8. Dan | Aug 25 2006 - 01:42

    Luck me a new free battery on its way. I was going to buy a new one on ebay because the casing on mine is dogy. Thanks apple for giving me a free replacement. Also my Battery life had deteriorated because i never bother to fully charge, event to recondition the battery didnt help.

  9. Brad Hall | Aug 25 2006 - 02:36

    Am i stupid to keep using my battery on my powerbook then because i dont like the thought of using my laptop in my lap with AC connected and no battery ini its slot. I have been praying for this day to come for my powerbook because i wasnt affected last time and i want a new battery for a fresh start. Thank you sony you make dreams come true (for me at least anyway).

  10. Daniel White | Aug 26 2006 - 01:09

    I’d just like to point out that although Adam says iBooks and Powerbooks in the US, this is not strictly true, as quoted from the Apple UK Support Site:
    “The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with the following notebook computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4.”

    I managed to break the little plastic bit around a friend’s iBook battery screw, so I’m taking that to be fixed (which didn’t have the issue) and mine so that I don’t break the other. I hope it’s O.K. because I can’t really be putting up with 4-6 weeks with no battery in a laptop.

  11. maccast | Aug 26 2006 - 10:52

    Daniel,
    Thanks for pointing out my error. I updated the post.

  12. ALRUI | Aug 26 2006 - 02:34

    Does anyone know if the NewerTech batteries sold by OtherWorld computing are made by Sony? I know they are made here in the US but wonder if the Sony batts. are made here or in another country. The original batt. in my 12″ Powerbook didnt get hit by the first recall & ended up being replaced as it wouldnt power the laptop for more then an hour or so thats why I bought the NewerTech batt. Maybe I should have kept it instead of recycling it & II could have got a free one like the others here:-)

  13. Brad Hall | Aug 27 2006 - 01:08

    Allways keep dead batteries so you can use it around the house with the power plugged in and just keep your new one fresh for when you really do need to be portable.

  14. Kevin Russell | Aug 28 2006 - 09:59

    I was one of the first 20 people to register … I’m a nerd and was hitting refresh when I saw the feed come across that there was a replacement program for the 12″ Powerbook :-)

    I already received mine today via DHL by 9:00 am… they said 4 to 6 weeks on the site when I registered!!!

    That was fantastic service!

    Another reason why was a switcher!

  15. stevievep | Sep 07 2006 - 11:25

    I received mine for my 2+ year old 12″ PB yesterday. Now today I received an identical package with another battery. Hmmm…

  16. Hank | Sep 11 2006 - 01:46

    I bought a replacement battery for my Sony laptop about a month ago from http://www.laptopsforless.com/laptopbattery/sony-battery
    and it works great. Is there any reason to think that a replacement Sony laptop battery would be any worse than the manufacturers?