Some iPods Feeling the Heat From Faulty Batteries
August 15, 2008

Apple blames a recent spate of overheating iPod Nano problems on faulty batteries. Reports emanating from Japan have indicated that some Nanos get hot enough to scorch paper if they’re sitting on it. Apple acknowledges that in “very rare cases” first-generation iPod Nanos, sold from September 2005 to December 2006, can overheat.

This rare problem causes “failure and deformation of iPod Nanos.” Apple admits. The company has received reports of less than 0.001 percent of the first generation Nanos misbehaving in this way, and has traced the problem to a single OEM battery supplier. Apple declined to name the supplier, however.
Apple emphasize that there have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage due to the overheating problem. Apple also states that there have been no reports of overheating problems with any other model of iPod or variant of the iPod Nano.

Apple urge iPod Nano customers who have had overheating problems, or even customers who haven’t had problems but are concerned, to contact AppleCare. The company will replace faulty batteries at no charge.  Apple’s response was prompted by reports from Japan of two separate incidents wherein faulty iPod Nanos overheated and burned a hole in a paper and a straw mat.