According to several recent reports, there have been recent instances where first-generation iPod Nano’s have caught fire and melted the front casing. Zoinks, that doesn’t sound good! After some denial, Apple has released a statement confirming the issue and a what you can do to minimize the likelihood that you’re Nano will go up in smoke:
“Apple has determined that in very rare cases, batteries in first-generation iPod nanos sold between Sept. 2005 and Dec. 2006 can overheat, causing failure and deformation of the iPod nano,” the company explains. “Apple has received very few reports of such incidents (less than 0.001 percent of first-generation iPod nano units), which have been traced back to a single battery supplier. There have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage, and no reports of incidents for any other iPod nano model. Any first-generation iPod nano customers who have experienced their battery overheating should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Any other customers who have concerns about their first-generation iPod nano battery should also contact AppleCare.”
The recent statement by Apple comes after a Japanese government investigation into reports that the original Nanos were melting due to excessive heat output.
