Apple replacing first gen iPod nanos due to overheating battery

If you happen to still own a first generation iPod nano, then you may be holding onto a device that could catch fire. Even though the original nano is now six years old, Apple is rolling out a replacement program for the player to address a battery overheating problem.

Late Friday Apple began contacting consumers about a replacement program for the original iPod nano. Apple’s statement read,

“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 wants people who are still using their first-generation nano to return them immediately if they purchased them between September 2005 and December 2006. Customers who have devices made during this time should apply for a free replacement device via the website.

Apple has had some issues with batteries overheating in the past and there was a series of recalls back in the fall of 2006. The recalls involved batteries made by Dell, Toshiba, and Sony being replaced due to overheating issues. In August of 2006 Apple released a statement saying batteries made by Sony specifically contained “microscopic metal particles” that could cause short circuits, which could lead to overheating or potentially fires.

I’m curious exactly what type of replacement users who still own a first-generation iPod nano will get. I can’t imagine Apple has too many of the original devices floating around six years later that they could refurbish and send out.

Do any of you guys still own a first-gen iPod nano? Let us know how the replacement request goes for you and what device you actually get as a replacement.