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.
You may order a replacement unit via the web. 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.
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.
More info and ordering detailshere.
With what are they replacing them?
Thanks for the heads-up. Although my iPod Nano 1G is performing normally, one can’t afford to ignore Apple’s advice on this issue.
I gave mine to a nephew, and got the email from Apple last night. After studying it carefully to make sure it wasn’t some sort of spam, I forwarded the email to my sister. I assume they’ll give you a replacement with a current model. I wouldn’t mind having gotten one, so I could get the Tiktok wristband. Now, I’ll think about getting the Tiktok for my nephew for Xmas.
Ken you’re thinking of the newer model shuffle instead of the newer model nano, right?
Mine’s been working wonderfully all along. It’s working better than the iPod Touch I’ve had a couple of years fewer. I hesitated, but I went ahead and submitted the replacement request.
My first-generation iPod nono works fine, too; although the battery doesn’t hold a charge as long as it used to. I received a confirmation from Apple within hours of submitting my request for a replacement.
Was just at the Apple store in Florida. An older lady brought in an iPod nano first gen that had overheated and melted the scroll wheel and a rectangle on the back. Battery gone wild..
Apple indicated that they would replace it for free and the lady was upset that she would have to wait 6 weeks. What a crappy customer!!!
She had left the nano in a hot car for several days. That is probably why the battery finally died. Apple was giving her a new free replacement unit…. And she bitched… Maybe she should have bought a Zune…. 🙂
Better yet, Apple should keep a supply of Zunes on hand to give to customers like that. The replacements Zunes should have a sticker that reads: “When this breaks, try returning it to Microsoft!”
thanks to this post, i have a new ipod enroute. thank you!
I’m also wondering what they’ll replace my Nano with. While a clean refurb would be ok, some new or newer would be great!
while my serial number is eligible and i have already enrolled and was emailed a confirmation that a shpiping box is being sent to me, i don’t know if i can upgrade. my nano doesn’t hold a charge anymore, but it’s the source for music on my still excellent Altec Lansing IM7 and works just fine since the speakers are plugged in or are on battery. even if i had the old “other ipod” adapters (which i don’t), the new nanos of course wouldn’t fit. so i guess i can’t upgrade until i find out for sure what they’re replacing them with. sure, in theory i’d take a new nano, but it all reality, i NEED the old design.
it leaves me a bit flummoxed.
The replacement nano is the same model, from what I’ve read so far, including the blurb on the Apple Support site. Apple must have a goodly stock on hand, although I suppose it’s possible they’re still making them in some factory somewhere.
hehe what why should they still be making them? I think it’s a money issue, is it cheaper to repair and refresh the old once vs give all a newer one. My guess is both, old stock from last generation and repair the “fresh” old once.
I’m happy with a battery that lasts more than 5min 🙂
Sending in two so far- from family members. Interestingly, the first gen nano is the only one I didn’t get for myself. The small storage and features seemed too similar to the Shuffle (which I do have in all versions). The ‘fat’ nano is still my favorite, strange enough.
I received mine as a gift from my wife. it seemed so extravagant since I already had the bubblegum-stick shuffle!! I couldn’t figure out of it was worth the money just to have control over my music when I was perfectly happy with a random album selection. so funny….now there’s iPods everywhere around the house of various ages and styles. and that was just a few years ago.
why is apple never clear on these things? what do they mean by “replacement unit”? are they going to completely scrap my nano and send me a fecaled up, used replacement? if that’s the case, i think i’ll pass. there’s no way they are still making new 1st gen ipod nanos in one of their sweat shops, right? i’ve never had an issue in 6 years with any overheating so i’m on the fence right now about replacing it.
the Apple repair site has the status for my iPod nan as `Product replacement pending `. Hmmm, I need something cool to keep me happy while I’m holding my breath about my imac needing its HD replaced! Come on Apple…………. Papa needs a new i(Pod nano) watch!!!
Has anyone received “REPLACEMENT UNIT” Still a mystery even after 4 Weeks as to what replacement unit going to be!
the Repair Status page has been showing “Product replacement pending” for weeks ! Has anyone out there received a replacement yet?
Still waiting.
My boyfriends uncle sent his in and got one of the newest nanos with the touch screen. After seeing him send his in i sent mine in as well but my has not worked for a year my kid brother had it and it won’t turn on or anything lol heres hoping theyll send me a new one. in the status it says product replacement pending.