Apple Recalls 1.8 Million Laptop Batteries

Aug. 24, 2006 — -- Little more than a week after Dell recalled 4.1 million Sony laptop batteries, Apple has recalled 1.8 million Sony batteries used in its iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 laptops worldwide (1.1 million of those are in the United States).

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the batteries could overheat and become a fire hazard. Apple has received nine reports of overheating, two reports of users receiving minor burns and an unspecified number of claims of property damage.

"The situation arises because on rare occasions, there are tiny microscopic particles," explained Rick Clancy, spokesperson for Sony Electronics. "One [particle] may have come in contact with the battery cell outside of the cavity where they would normally be, and that leads to a short circuit and potentially flames."

Clancy said Sony takes responsibility for what appears to be a manufacturing flaw that, when coupled with certain computer configurations, may cause the overheating.

He added that the company has introduced a number of safeguards into its manufacturing process and believes it has addressed the issue to customers' satisfaction.

"Sony is committed to the safety of consumers and the satisfaction of our customers," he said, "and in this case, of course, in supporting Apple in their recall."

According to a press release sent out shortly after the news broke, Sony estimated the cost of supporting both the Apple and Dell recalls will be between 20 billion and 30 billion yen -- about $171 million to roughly $257 million. That estimate is based on the cost of replacement batteries and other costs incurred by the company.

While it may appear that Sony is the big loser at the center of two of the biggest computer-related recalls in history, it may be Apple that will feel the hardest blow.

"For Apple, it's just unfortunate because it's the second issue they've had with batteries since launching the MacBooks," said Ross Rubin, an analyst with the NPD Group. "That's something they need to assure customers they've got licked at this point, but certainly it's better for them to be proactive about it before there are any liabilities."