Updated Battery Information
The Apple battery recall has taken a few confusing turns since the news broke last week. Support pages have been moved and consolidated. The line of recalled batteries has been updated. Finally, there are a couple of recall programs underway, which was not noted last week.
As of this writing, Monday August 28, the following information is up to date and correct. This information may change at Apple’s discretion.
This is the recall that is currently in the news:
Battery Exchange Program iBook G4 and PowerBook G4
Apple has determined that certain lithium-ion batteries containing cells manufactured by Sony Corporation of Japan pose a safety risk that may result in overheating under rare circumstances.
The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with the following notebook computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. Also, if you participated in a previous battery recall for any of these computer models or recently purchased or received from Apple an extra battery for an iBook G3, please check your battery serial number in case you received a replacement battery that is affected by this program.
To view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the battery, you must remove the battery from the computer. The battery serial number is printed in black or dark grey lettering beneath a barcode on the battery.
Affected models include:
iBook G4 batteries with the battery model number A1061, and the battery serial number range:
ZZ338 – ZZ427
3K429 – 3K611
6C519 – 6C552 ending with S9WA, S9WC or S9WD
12-inch PowerBook G4 with the battery model number A1079, and the battery serial number range:
ZZ411 – ZZ427
3K428 – 3K611
15-inch PowerBook G4 with the battery model number A1078 and A1148, and the battery serial number range:
3K425 – 3K601
6N530 – 6N551 ending with THTA, THTB, or THTC
6N601 ending with THTC
You need to fill out a battery exchange form online on this page:
https://support.apple.com/ibook_powerbook/batteryexchange/
Apple recommends removing the affected battery, and running your laptop strictly off of AC power. You can use your computer without the battery in it when the computer is plugged into AC power. Simply remove the battery, and plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.
There is an earlier recall of batteries for the 12-inch PowerBook G4, 15-inch PowerBook G4 and 12-inch iBook G4 that is also happening. These batteries were manufactured by LG Chem, Ltd. of South Korea.
The affected batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Apple has received six consumer reports of these batteries overheating. If you have a recalled battery, please stop using it and order a replacement battery immediately. Once you have removed the battery, plug in the AC adapter to power the computer. If you must temporarily use your computer with the battery, do not leave it unattended and check for signs of overheating.
The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078, and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 and 3X446 through 3X510. If you have recently purchased an extra or replacement battery for any of the computer models noted above or a 12-inch iBook G3, please check the battery’s serial number to see if it needs to be exchanged.
You can read about this in detail here:
https://depot.info.apple.com/batteryexchange/index.html
Finally, there is a recall program in place for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. This covers certain rechargeable batteries that were sold for use with 15-inch MacBook Pro computer systems from February 2006 through May 2006. The affected batteries have model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC. No other MacBook Pro or MacBook batteries are part of this program. The affected batteries do not pose a safety risk. You may continue to use your current battery until a replacement arrives. You can read about this program, and fill out the exchange form here:
https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/
https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/
It may take up to 4 to 6 weeks for your replacement battery to arrive. Shipping time may vary due to availability of your battery model.
Apple will send you the replacement battery first and then you will send Apple the recalled battery.
Note that the MacBook Pro, PowerBook or iBook battery serial number is different than the computer’s serial number. The PowerBook serial number is located on the side of the battery well in the top left corner. The iBook serial number is located underneath the keyboard. The serial number for the 15-inch MacBook Pro is located on the bottom of the battery well.
Or, for any machine, you can use Apple System Profiler to confirm your serial number.