CPSC recall · Reported May 20, 2005
CPSC, Apple Announce Recall of iBook and PowerBook Computer Batteries
An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. recalled The recalled lithium-ion batteries are used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G….
CPSC, Apple Announce Recall of iBook and PowerBook Computer Batteries was recalled by Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. in May 20, 2005. Reason: An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arran…. Verify recall #05179 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. issued this CPSC recall-An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers..
- None
- agency class
- May 20, 2005
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #05179 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Electronics recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 622 electronics recalls on record
Product description
The recalled lithium-ion batteries are used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall. Computer model name Battery model number Battery serial number range 12-inch iBook G4 A1061 HQ441 - HQ507 12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 3X446 - 3X510 15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 3X446 - 3X509
Reason for recall
An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 05179 |
| Date reported | May 20, 2005 |
| Date initiated | May 20, 2005 |
| Recalling firm | Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. |
| Affected scope | About 128,000 units (in the United States) |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of ch…
- Check the recall number (05179) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
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Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Electronics · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026