Apple silent on burning iPods

Mum’s the word from Apple when it comes to reports of burning, melting or exploding iPods.

A report by Seattle CBS affiliate KIRO-7 turned up 15 incidents in which Apple’s iPod burned or caught fire, in some cases injuring the user. The incidents were reported across a variety of iPod models, new and old.

KIRO-7 reporter Amy Clancy said it took months to get a hold of Consumer Product Safety Commission documents that detailed the issues, because Apple’s legal team “filed exemption after exemption.” Eventually, the news station prevailed under the Freedom of Information Act.

A couple of affected iPod owners were met with indifference when calling Apple’s customer support line. “They didn’t care that my child was burned,” said Tami Mooney, the mother of a girl who likened the burning iPod on her skin to a neverending bee sting. “They didn’t care about the possibilities that other children were burned.”

I understand we’re talking about 15 incidents out of millions of iPods sold, so I think most people shouldn’t be alarmed. What bothers me is Apple’s arrogant approach to the matter. The company refused to answer any of KIRO-7’s questions, and has done little to even feign concern for its customers. I’m no fan of PR spin, but total silence is even worse.

Eartlier this year, an Ohio family sued Apple when its 15 year-old son’s iPod Touch exploded in his pocket.