Apple blames Beats headphones explosion on third-party batteries
In a statement published on Friday, an Apple representative blamed the explosion of an Australian woman's Beats headphones on her using third-party batteries, rather than any product defects.
The woman was sleeping on a flight from Beijing to Melbourne in February when she woke up to the sound of the explosion and a burning sensation, the Australian Associated Press said. Her face, hands, and hair were burned, and lawyers for the woman have been seeking compensation for the lost headphones as well as ruined clothing.
"Our investigation indicated the issue was caused by a third-party battery," Apple said in a statement shared by the woman's lawyers.
The woman noted however that she was using AAA batteries bought in Australia, and that there wasn't much alternative.
"The headphones don't work without batteries, yet nowhere on the headphones -- or their packaging -- did it specify which brand of batteries should be used," she said.
While Apple hasn't had to deal with the same level of trouble as Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, it does periodically receive complaints about iPhones, iPods, and other devices spontaneously catching on fire. In 2011 for instance it finally began a general replacement program for the first-generation iPod nano, having launched a more limited program in 2008 after a series of fires.
The woman was sleeping on a flight from Beijing to Melbourne in February when she woke up to the sound of the explosion and a burning sensation, the Australian Associated Press said. Her face, hands, and hair were burned, and lawyers for the woman have been seeking compensation for the lost headphones as well as ruined clothing.
"Our investigation indicated the issue was caused by a third-party battery," Apple said in a statement shared by the woman's lawyers.
The woman noted however that she was using AAA batteries bought in Australia, and that there wasn't much alternative.
"The headphones don't work without batteries, yet nowhere on the headphones -- or their packaging -- did it specify which brand of batteries should be used," she said.
While Apple hasn't had to deal with the same level of trouble as Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, it does periodically receive complaints about iPhones, iPods, and other devices spontaneously catching on fire. In 2011 for instance it finally began a general replacement program for the first-generation iPod nano, having launched a more limited program in 2008 after a series of fires.
Comments
This is the problem with mixing and matching stuff. I would not hesitate to buy a pack of batteries from Duracell, Energizer, or Enloops to use in my electronics. And if they explode, I certainly would not be blaming Apple for it. I wonder if her lawyers went after the battery manufacturer or just decided that suing Apple is an easier (although highly unsuccessful) 3rd party.
Also, lawyers sue the biggest target, so of course Apple will be named and not some back-alley battery manufacturer.
2) Has anyone else jumped from disposable batteries to only using Eneloop (or similar rechargeable batteries) for all their needs. I only need AA, AAA, and a few 9-Volts these days. They last considerably longer than disposable batteries and my math says it'll reduce both my cost and waste.
Apple MC500LL/A Battery Charger with six NiMH batteries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XIJ566/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nIYhzbT1VCTQW
Unfortunately there are corner cutting manufacturers and careless retailers all over the world that are pushing cheaply made batteries that are exposing us to danger.