Apple Launches First Generation iPod Nano Replacement Program Worldwide

[Akshay Masand]

Apple has recently started a replacement program for the first-generation iPod Nano due to overheating issues. The units that are affected by this issue were sold between September 2005 and December 2006 with a manufacturing defect sourced at a single Apple battery supplier for the first edition of Apple's first venture into thin and portable iPods.

According to Apple, the possibility of overheating is small but since the iPod Nano is five years old, the chances of it overheating are larger. Apple is informing users of the original iPod Nano to stop using the product and get it replaced for free. Apple sent out the following email to those who purchased the first generation iPod Nano:

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

Apple began providing replacements in for effected units in South Korea in 2009 and Japan in 2010. With the recent announcement though, the Cupertino giant seems to have opened up the replacement program worldwide. Replacement units are said to take up to six weeks to be delivered and come with a 90-day warranty.

Below is a picture of a first-generation iPod Nano that was affected by the issue (image courtesy of The Consumerist):



We'd recommend taking advantage of the replacement program as soon as possible if you happen to be the owner of a first-gen iPod Nano.

Did any of you have an experience with an overheating iPod Nano? Are any of you going to be taking advantage of the replacement program? Share any thoughts below!

Source: Apple, The Consumerist (Thanks to MMi user Louis for sending this in)

[ratbrain]

does anyone know what apple sends for the replacement unit?

[Cer0]

We still have ours around the house. Still works but screen is cracked. Wonder if they will count that for replacement.

[lauriellis13]

does anyone know what apple sends for the replacement unit?

they just replace it with the first gen again

[p3eps]

I have a 4gb one lying in a drawer that's not been used for 3+ years. I typed in its serial number and it seems its eligible - so Apple are sending me out a box. I wonder if they're just going to swap the battery over... or whether they change the whole unit over? Only one way to find out!

[duromega]

I have a 4gb one lying in a drawer that's not been used for 3+ years. I typed in its serial number and it seems its eligible - so Apple are sending me out a box. I wonder if they're just going to swap the battery over... or whether they change the whole unit over? Only one way to find out!

They will replace the whole unit , they have no time to be replacing batteries and %%^&

[wohhey]

I have a 4gb one lying in a drawer that's not been used for 3+ years. I typed in its serial number and it seems its eligible - so Apple are sending me out a box. I wonder if they're just going to swap the battery over... or whether they change the whole unit over? Only one way to find out!

Funny how I have the same thing because the battery died long ago, however im not eligible for replacement. Loved my nano, sad it will never wake up again

[Cer0]

Mine qualifies so they are sending box. Thats good. Wife mainly still uses it to keep in her office at work.

[loso86]

Sweet, mine just been lying in a draw for yrs, forgotten all about.I remember getting my nano day of release as well so knew I would qualify, typed in the code and just as I thought fresh new nano coming soon.

[Jammole]

wow, my nano was gift and didn't think it would work. I guess I was wrong....

[one1]

There's no way they have a stock of OLD 1st gen nanos laying around. Your replacement should be whatever they have in stock on the refurb isle.

[whereswaldo]

I still have mine, and it works fine!

[p3eps]

I still have the box for it, and even the special iPod Nano mini carrier bag that it came in on release date!
It's on charge just now to see whats actually on it since it hasn't been used for so long. Not a single scratch on it cause its been in a skin since day one!

[Mobster103]

I just validated it, and it's shipping a box to me that I can then ship back to them

[iPod]

A little late isn't it? But that's great that they're doing this for all the people who've suffered this issue.

[KraXik]

There's no way they have a stock of OLD 1st gen nanos laying around. Your replacement should be whatever they have in stock on the refurb isle.

I'm thinking the same thing. Haven't used my nano in years and took me a couple hours to even find it. Going to send it in to see what I get back. If its a new first generation I'll just put it on eBay as brand new, if it's the new one maybe I'll buy the watch strap thing and give to someone as an Xmas present. Either way, I can't really lose out.

[Cer0]

I was playing more with mine today and man I love the scroll wheel.

[rayzeur22]

does anyone know what apple sends for the replacement unit?

probably another 1st gen nano, but who knows... maybe they'll send a newer one if they're still not in production

[Don Ju4n]

I got a 1st gen iPod Nano, yet it hasn't suffered any overheating issues (the screen is cracked and the battery lasts 25 minutes tops, but no overheating issues.) Can I take advantage of this offer or is it only for owners whose iPod has literally melted like in the picture?

[sziklassy]

People will take anything for free. Look how many people readily admit they forgot all about this device, but as soon as a replacement is offered, they are all about it. Funny stuff!