Is Apple Hiding The Risks Of Exploding iPods?

Is Apple trying to hide potentially dangerous problems with its wildly popular iPods?

According to a Times article, Apple recently attempted to silence a Liverpool father and daughter, after the child’s iPod music player exploded.

Apple would only offer the family a refund if they would sign a form that left them open to legal action if they discussed the problem or their settlement:

In accepting a refund, the Liverpool man was to “agree that you will keep the terms and existence of this settlement agreement completely confidential”, and that any breach of confidentiality “may result in Apple seeking injunctive relief, damages and legal costs against the defaulting persons or parties”.

The iPod problem could be caused by defects in the iPods' lithium ion batteries. In the past, Apple has recalled laptops because of problems with lithium ion batteries overheating and causing fires.

Unfortunately, there's currently no way to know how significant this problem is - or how many people Apple has previously silenced.

Have you ever had a problem with your iPod's battery?

Image: Steve Morgan/The Times

Link:

• The Times

James Lewin
Twitter @podcasting_news

who cares bout the ipod, but that girl is absolutely gorgeous!

wow, i'm in luve

03-Aug-09 05:18 AM

Apple should have told the family to shut their mouths and offered them a ton of money to do so. Now they have just opened up the floodgates for a full on iPod battery recall

Weteve, the girl is 11 years old in case you weren't aware. There are probably laws in place for talk like that ;0)

03-Aug-09 02:49 PM

how CHEAP IS THAT... a refund? she could have been burned badly. I just bought an apple iphone 3gs ... and the battery overheats after a long call... if it explodes on me.... theres gonna be trouble.....

03-Aug-09 05:14 PM

Yet another classic example of corporate greed and indifference. Obviously all Apple (and most other corporations) cares about is it profit margin. What Apple did should be illegal!

03-Aug-09 05:51 PM

Watch out... Apple have logged the IP addresses of those leaving messages on this thread, invalidated their Apple equipment warranties, shut down their iTunes access, turned turned iPhones into bricks, and sent hitmen round to their houses.

03-Aug-09 06:15 PM

weteve - I think she's a little young (11) for you!

Unless you're a dirty bastard.

05-Aug-09 02:11 AM

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