[mastercylinder]

iPod Battery FAQ

#nav {margin: 0px;} #nav a { text-decoration: none; background: transparent; } #nav a:link { text-decoration: none; background: transparent; } #nav a:hover { text-decoration: underline; background: transparent; } http://ipodbatteryfaq.com/

• Is the iPod's battery replaceable?
  
• Is the iPod's battery user-replaceable?
  
• What is the iPod's warranty? Does it cover the battery? Is there any way to extend it?
  
• Does Apple think the iPod is disposable?
  
• I heard that the iPod's battery only lasts 18 months, and then you have to buy a new iPod! Is that true?
  
• Will the iPod's battery degrade over time?
  
• How much playing time should I get out of my iPod battery?
  
• When does Apple consider the battery defective for purposes of warranty replacement?
  
• What kind of battery does the iPod use?
  
• Why didn't Apple use better batteries?
  
• How can I get the most out of the iPod's battery? (Or get more out of it if it seems degraded?)
  
• What is the best way to handle charging/discharging/storage of lithium ion batteries?
  
• If my battery dies, will I lose all of my music?
  
• Is it okay to leave the iPod in the dock, or otherwise attached to external power, for extended periods of time?
  
• Why doesn't Apple make the battery easily replaceable? Or use different batteries, like AA?
  
• Is there any way to use an external battery pack, or standard AA batteries?
  
• No one else uses an integrated battery!
  
• Apple only released their battery replacement service because of all the bad publicity from iPod's Dirty Secret.
  
• Is there something wrong with the iPod? It shouldn't have these problems!
  
  
• Resources
  

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Q: Is the iPod's battery replaceable?

A: Yes. Apple has an official battery replacement program for $99. The program requires that you send in your iPod (any model), and Apple will replace the battery and return it to you for $99 (technically, Apple actually replaces your whole iPod with an equivalent new or refurbished model). AppleCare programs for iPod are also available in some markets outside the US, and are expected soon in other markets.

Q: Is the iPod's battery user-replaceable?

A1: Yes and no. The iPod's case is not designed to be opened, so, in that respect, it's not what would generally be referred to as "user-replaceable". But, the case can be opened, and there are several third parties that offer replacement batteries for the iPod for as low as $30, such as:

• iPodBattery.com (instructions, with pictures: original, non-"dockable" iPod, new, slim "dockable" iPod, 4th generation "clickwheel" iPod, iPod mini)
• PDASmart
• iPodResQ
• Small Dog (original, non-"dockable" iPod, new, slim "dockable" iPod)
• iPodminiBattery.com (instructions, with pictures: original, non-"dockable" iPod, new, slim "dockable" iPod)
• iPodBattery.com.au
  
  Some will even do the replacement for you if you send it in (PDASmart, iPodResQ).
  
  A2: TechTV's Call for Help has a story discussing and demonstrating replacing an iPod battery.
  
  A3: Popular Science HOW 2.0 also has an article about replacing the battery.
  
  Q: What is the iPod's warranty? Does it cover the battery? Is there any way to extend it?
  
  A1: The iPod warranty is one year. It does cover the battery.
  
  A2: You can extend the iPod's warranty, including battery coverage, to two years with AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod. Numerous retailers, such as Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, etc., also have very inexpensive extended warranty coverage available for iPod. Often these plans simply replace the product with a comparable new unit.
  
  Q: Does Apple think the iPod is disposable?
  
  A: No. The iPod is engineered to last; Apple is consistently ranked number one (1,2) in product quality and support by leading consumer groups, such as Consumer Reports. Apple also has out-of-warranty service and extended warranty options.
  
  Q: I heard that the iPod's battery only lasts 18 months, and then you have to buy a new iPod! Is that true?
  
  A1: NO! The vast, vast majority of even the earliest iPods, now over two years old, continue to function just fine. Some iPods, however, have had issues with batteries. Lithium ion batteries are only good for 300 to 500 charge/discharge cycles (more). For this reason, certain customers' usage patterns may cause the batteries to degrade, or fail, sooner than others.
  
  A2: If the battery does fail, and the iPod is no longer under its original one year warranty or $59 AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, or any of numerous third party service plans, you don't have to buy a new iPod. You may replace the battery yourself for as little as $30, or have Apple perform the replacement for $99.
  
  Q: Will the iPod's battery degrade over time?
  
  A: Yes. Over time, the battery will not hold the same amount of charge as when it was new. This is natural, and is true of all lithium ion batteries. This slow degradation will not affect, or be noticed by, most users. However, based on usage, environmental factors, and many other variables, some heavy users may notice a greater degradation than others. It is important to understand that this is the exact same degradation that would occur with any lithium ion battery used in any laptop, cell phone, portable music player, etc., and is not unique to the iPod. For more information, see this page.
  
  Q: How much playing time should I get out of my iPod battery?
  
  Apple's specifications specify a battery life of 8 hours (12 hours for the 4th generation iPod). Many factors can, of course, influence this. Under good conditions, you should indeed get around 8 hours of battery life on a new iPod. This amount varies with age, usage style, and other factors, such as music format, backlight use, etc. To get the most out of your battery, follow these tips:
  
  
• iPod: How to Get the Most Out of the Battery (Apple)
• iPod: About Battery Care (Apple)
  A battery which only lasts for half, or less, of the specified time may be considered to be defective under warranty terms. However, you should follow the steps in this document to test your battery life in a controlled way:
  
  
• iPod: The Battery Status Indicator Is Approximate (Apple)
  Q: When does Apple consider the battery defective for purposes of warranty replacement?
  
  A: According to the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod Terms and Conditions, the iPod battery is defective when "the capacity of the iPod battery to hold an electrical charge has depleted fifty (50%) percent or more from its original specification." Knowledge Base article 61475 also says: "[if the iPod] provides significantly less than the expected amount of play from the battery, then there may be an issue that the Apple service center should diagnose. You can arrange for service at the iPod Service Web site (http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/)." Knowledge Base article 61475 gives a controlled procedure to follow to test battery life.
  
  Q: What kind of battery does the iPod use?
  
  A: The iPod uses a lithium ion battery. The first and second generation ("non-dockable") iPods use a Sony UP325385 A4H 3.7V 1230mAh lithium ion polymer battery. The third generation ("dockable") iPods use a 3.7V 850mAh lithium ion battery. The iPod mini uses a Sanyo EC003 lithium ion battery.
  
  Q: Why didn't Apple use better batteries?
  
  A: Apple uses the best lithium ion battery technology available from leading battery manufacturers. This is the best, most cost effective battery technology available given the requirements of the device. The lithium ion batteries that Apple uses are no different than the lithium ion batteries used by any other manufacturer, on products from portable music players, to laptops, to wireless phones. The battery should last most normal users the life of the product (several years).
  
  Q: How can I get the most out of the iPod's battery? (Or get more out of it if it seems degraded?)
  
  A1: Follow these tips:
  
  
• iPod: How to Get the Most Out of the Battery (Apple)
• iPod: About Battery Care (Apple)
• How to prolong lithium-based batteries (Battery University)
  There are even external battery packs available that take standard AA batteries.
  
  A2: One very important thing (covered in the above tips, but is important enough to repeat) is to ensure you have the latest version of the iPod software, sometimes called "firmware", on the iPod itself. The latest version of iPod software can always be found here.
  
  A3: Some users of early iPods whose batteries appeared to be severely degraded have been able to restore them by following these simple instructions.
  
  Q: What is the best way to handle charging/discharging/storage of lithium ion batteries?
  
  A1: How to prolong lithium-based batteries
  
  A2: Lithium ion batteries are good for 300-500 charge/discharge cycles. A "charge/discharge" cycle generally consists of an extended charging period, and an extended discharging period. A quick charge, listening for 30 minutes, and charging again, for example, does not constitute a full "charge/discharge cycle", but could rather be considered a portion of one.
  
  Also, many, many factors affect how much you get out of each charge, as well as how long the battery will last overall. The main factors include charging patterns, the routine amount of discharge (i.e., Do you use it until it dies? Use it for an hour or two and recharge?), temperature, storage, usage frequency, etc. Lithium ion batteries do not take kindly to frequent full or complete discharges. When possible, the optimal usage pattern - for any lithium ion battery - is a partial discharge, followed by recharging. A partial discharge can be anything less than a full discharge. However, an occasional full discharge is desirable (e.g., once every 30 charges) to calibrate the battery. Lithium ion batteries do not significantly degrade, or develop "memory", even if charged at irregular intervals; irregular charging is acceptable. An iPod can also safely be attached to external power for extended periods of time. (For extremely extended periods of time, such as months, the battery will essentially be the same as if it were in "storage"; lithium ion batteries do not store well for extended periods of time at full charge. However, there is no way around this under these circumstances.) When possible, always use the AC adapter (or vehicle adapter) for extended charging, not a FireWire cable attached to a computer.
  
  It is generally recommended to store lithium ion batteries at about 40% charge. However, the iPod draws power even when it is off, meaning that it will soon deplete any charge that it has. If you will be storing your iPod for an extended period of time (i.e., weeks to months), it is recommended to store the unit in a cool place; charge level is unimportant, as the charge will be completely depleted after several days. The most harmful combination for storage is full charge at high temperature (i.e., in a hot car).
  
  For more information on rechargeable batteries in general, see:
  
  
• Battery University
• Batteries in a Portable World: A Handbook on Rechargeable Batteries for Non-Engineers
• How Batteries Work
• An overview of lithium ion battery technology
  Q: If my battery dies, will I lose all of my music?
  
  A: No. The iPod stores all of its music on a hard disk. If the battery is drained completely, or even removed, all of the music on the iPod will remain intact. Additionally, you still have all of your music in the iTunes music library on your computer.
  
  Q: Is it okay to leave the iPod in the dock, or otherwise attached to external power, for extended periods of time?
  
  A1: Yes. The iPod's circuitry will no longer charge the battery once it is determined to be full, even if the iPod is still attached to external power.
  
  A2: This can also be a more complicated issue. Lithium ion batteries age faster when stored at full charge. If your usage of the iPod consists almost exclusively of use while plugged in for extended periods of time such as weeks or months, and very limited usage from the battery, the battery is essentially always in a charged state. A fully charged lithium ion battery ages at a faster rate than a lithium ion battery at the optimum storage capacity of approximately 40%. However, keeping an iPod battery near this optimum storage capacity can prove difficult to manage. A lithium ion battery also ages from use, as well as from storage, so the aging effects of constant use of the battery in order to keep the charge closer to 40%, versus constant use while attached to external power, come close to being even.
  
  Q: Why doesn't Apple make the battery easily replaceable? Or use different batteries, like AA?
  
  A: Because if they did either, the size of the batteries and/or the access panels and mechanisms required to access the battery would make the unit significantly larger than it is, likely by several millimeters in thickness at a minimum, and would also affect other dimensions, as well as weight. It was an engineering decision to use an integrated battery; if it were not integrated, the unit would not have the small, sleek form factor that makes it so attractive in the first place. Additionally, the iPod's battery is indeed replaceable, as has been discussed above.
  
  Q: Is there any way to use an external battery pack, or standard AA batteries?
  
  A: Yes. Belkin makes an external battery pack for the "dockable" iPod that takes 4 standard AA batteries. Battery Tech also makes a high-capacity external rechargable battery. There is also a do-it-yourself kit that allows you to run and/or charge your iPod from standard AA batteries.
  
  Q: No one else uses an integrated battery!
  
  A: Dell's new DJ portable music player uses an integrated, non-user-replaceable lithium ion battery, just like the iPod. Other music players, such as the Gateway DMP Series, Samsung YP-910GS (Napster), iRiver iHP Series, and Rio Karma - all viewed as the only comparisons to iPod that even come close (local mirror) - all use integrated lithium ion batteries sealed inside the enclosure.
  
  Q: Apple only released their battery replacement service because of all the bad publicity from iPod's Dirty Secret.
  
  A: While often claimed, this couldn't be further from the truth. Apple released the battery replacement program November 14, 2003. ipodsdirtysecret.com was only registered on November 20, 2003, and started being heavily publicized on November 21, 2003. Additionally, Apple had been planning the AppleCare programs for months - these types of service programs don't just happen overnight - before Casey Neistat even had his first contact with Apple. The video campaign had nothing to do with Apple's rollout of the battery replacement program. Further reading.
  
  Q: Is there something wrong with the iPod? It shouldn't have these problems!
  
  A: No, there is nothing wrong with it. It is not fundamentally flawed in any way. Apple products have the lowest incidence of repairs, highest quality, and best support (1,2) among all manufacturers. Lithium ion batteries have a finite lifetime, and Apple has in place a mechanism to replace them, if needed. The vast majority of iPod owners will never experience any issues with the battery, even under heavy, frequent usage. There is a reason the iPod is the number one portable music player with over 92% of the hard drive-based music player market, and the most desirable. There are engineering tradeoffs for each design decision made; Apple is continuously working to make the iPod better. Other manufacturers of small, best-of-breed hard drive-based players also use integrated, lithium ion batteries in the same way.
  
  Q: I'm having some other problem with my iPod that I don't think it should be having.
  
  A: Many problems can be solved by following troubleshooting steps (resources listed below), contacting Apple, or asking for help in an online forum. While Apple products statistically have the least problems, an iPod is like any electronic device, and as such, things can go wrong with it.

  Resources

  Apple iPod
  http://www.apple.com/ipod/
  
  Apple iPod software updates
  http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/
  
  Apple iPod FAQ
  http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920
  
  Apple iPod Battery FAQ
  http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=62018
  
  Apple iPod Battery Service FAQ
  http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/battery.html
  
  Apple iPod battery troubleshooting steps
  http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/power/
  
  Apple Batteries
  http://www.apple.com/batteries/
  
  Apple iPod Batteries
  http://www.apple.com/batteries/ipods.html
  
  Apple iPod Support
  http://www.info.apple.com/usen/ipod/
  
  AppleCare iPod Battery Replacement (US$99)
  http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/
  
  AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod (US$59; extends 1 year warranty to 2 years and phone support from 90 days to 2 years)
  http://www.apple.com/support/products/applecareipod.html
  
  iPodBattery.com do-it-yourself battery replacement (US$29; 1 year battery warranty, with illustrated instructions)
  http://ipodbattery.com/
  
  PDASmart do-it-yourself (US$59) and mail-in (US$68) programs for non-dockable iPods
  1500mAh battery provides longer life than original 1230mAh model!
  http://pdasmart.com/ipodpartscenter.htm
  
  iPodResQ battery replacement service ($79 mail-in battery replacement for all iPods)
  http://ipodresq.com/
  
  Small Dog iPod batteries ($29)
  Original (1G, 2G) iPod: http://www.smalldog.com/product/46814
  Dockable (3G) iPod: http://www.smalldog.com/product/46815
  
  ipodminibattery.com 2G and 3G ("Dockable") iPod battery replacement, 3G available within UK
  http://ipodminibattery.com/
  
  iPodBattery.com.au 1G and 2G iPod battery replacement, available within Australia
  http://ipodbattery.com.au/
  
  TechTV iPod battery replacement story
  http://www.g4techtv.com/screensavers/features/43573/Hack_Your_iPod.html
  
  This site in the news
  
  MTV
  New York Times
  St Paul Pioneer Press
  The Guardian
  Macworld UK
  Macworld, April 2004, p20

  Comments, questions, additions?

  info@ipodbatteryfaq.com
  
  Please note that this email address cannot provide technical support or help troubleshoot problems. For iPod support-related questions, contact Apple technical support (if possible), visit an Apple Store, try Apple iPod Support, Apple iPod Discussions, or forums like those at iPod Lounge, iPoding, MacNN, etc.
  
  Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005 ipodbatteryfaq.com
  This site is not affiliated with Apple Computer, Inc.

[Sicon]

Q: Is the iPod's battery user-replaceable?

A1: Yes and no. The iPod's case is not designed to be opened, so, in that respect, it's not what would generally be referred to as "user-replaceable".

If all of the devout Mac faithful here could just calm down for a minute, they might be able to grasp that this is the crux of the problem. Apple designed this thing, that operates on battery power, with a battery that has a limited lifespan, with a case that IS NOT MEANT TO BE OPENED! CAN it be opened? Sure. CAN you replace the battery yourself? Sure. Did Apple make it reasonably easy to do so? No.

How anyone can argue that that isn't a ridiculous design, and one that is irritating as all get out, is beyond me.

But those who question or criticize Macs around here are asking to be pounced upon by the fanatical Apple cultists, who attack all who dare to question the wisdom, the brilliance, and the "hipness" of Apple and Steve Jobs.

As the satirical "iProduct" flyer says, "I buy Apple products. It just makes me feel special."