Not our fault: Apple says third-party batteries to blame for exploding Beats headphones

[Evernessince]

And that's what I mean about common sense.

Not even Apple should have to specify something like "Don't use cheap batteries" (even though they dumb down everything as it is lol)

You are right, Apple products should just work like they claim. If the battery is a dud, the Apple product should protect you from that, as do many other less expensive brands.

 

[bmw95]

Uhm, Samsung took the blame, and recalled all Note 7's. On the other hand, Apple does not stand behind their products.

I don't think they did actually. They replaced the handsets so at least they have that, but if I recall correctly, they still blamed the battery maker for their own design flaw.

 

[Mc128k]

Guys! Just think about the problem. She was just probably using cheap batteries. Please, tell me *electrically* how it's possible that the headphones are the culprit. The only thing that could have happened would have been a short circuit, which is unlikely on these devices.
The cells probably have been manufactured with impurities, and she didn't like to buy expensive ones, like everybody else.
Then, it's still possible (yet improbable) that the headphones caused the issue by short circuiting them, but it's unlikely and it should have stopped in time before exploding (internal wire resistance, fuses, mosfets etc).

Do people want truth or just something to yell at?

 

[Mc128k]

Regardless of all that, Apple is a big company with oodles of money. It would not hurt them to just replace the $5 pair of headphones and the clothes. That's not even a drop in the bucket compared to even the amount of money they earn on interest from cash they have saved. Instead, they choose to take damage to their brand, which likely amounts to millions in damages.

That makes no sense. You are asking to a computer manufacturing company to be an insurance. Come on, they are way more expert than all of us about brand reputation. What is the purpose of your comment?

 

[Arris]

Eheh. Seems like Apple and Samsung have a lot in common. Blaming battery makers for their own problems. Good move guys. Good move.

Uhm, Samsung took the blame, and recalled all Note 7's. On the other hand, Apple does not stand behind their products.

Samsung shipped their Notes with a 3rd party battery. The Beats (as stated in the article) came without batteries so they had to be supplied by the consumer themselves. Therefore it's a different case. I agree with Apple that it probably isn't their fault, but wouldn't it be better to reply saying the batteries were at fault but still spend ~$500/provide latest set of Beats to her for some positive publicity and use it to reinforce to users that they should be wary of cheap batteries. I guess the problem then is that they could be seen as admitting responsibility in that way. Perhaps some other headphone maker could step in and gain some popularity by sending her a replacement

 

[Tanstar]

Guys! Just think about the problem. She was just probably using cheap batteries. Please, tell me *electrically* how it's possible that the headphones are the culprit. The only thing that could have happened would have been a short circuit, which is unlikely on these devices.
The cells probably have been manufactured with impurities, and she didn't like to buy expensive ones, like everybody else.
Then, it's still possible (yet improbable) that the headphones caused the issue by short circuiting them, but it's unlikely and it should have stopped in time before exploding (internal wire resistance, fuses, mosfets etc).

Do people want truth or just something to yell at?

Evernessince has already covered this thoroughly.

 

[Kibaruk]

Apple is basically saying that she should sue the company that made the batteries, which I'll agree with (assuming that the device didn't cause the batteries to explode). Saying Apple should've specified a preferred battery brand is a lame excuse to blame Apple. It feels like the "Warning - Hot Coffee" warnings on coffee cups that shouldn't be necessary and blatantly obvious.

Well it could've been an option that the headset maybe didn't leave enough room for the battery to expand on altitudes, who knows... the thing is at least, without taking the responsibility and out of courtesy they could've given her a brand new headset at least, maybe in order to examine the unit and while they do this, again, out of courtesy, it's a huge corporation they can afford to do this and while not being responsible it's good PR. Or at least taken a stand to "we will put a recommended list of batteries" or whatever.

And that's what I mean about common sense.

What is common sense? There is no guidance on common sense and people don't know it even exists.

Not even Apple should have to specify something like "Don't use cheap batteries" (even though they dumb down everything as it is lol)

The don't know that common sense exist, do you think everyone knows that batteries are able to explode? If you buy a brand in a store, for as cheap a brand they are, if the store is selling them means they had to go through certifications, because you bought them on a reputable store, that sells certified products by local authorities, if it's a cheap or an expensive battery you are starting with the premise that it won't freaking blow up.

 

[Raoul Duke]

Excellent Public Relations chance blown....replacement headphones and clothes cost Apple nothing compared to the great PR exposure and free advertising

 

[m4a4]

Well it could've been an option that the headset maybe didn't leave enough room for the battery to expand on altitudes, who knows... the thing is at least, without taking the responsibility and out of courtesy they could've given her a brand new headset at least, maybe in order to examine the unit and while they do this, again, out of courtesy, it's a huge corporation they can afford to do this and while not being responsible it's good PR. Or at least taken a stand to "we will put a recommended list of batteries" or whatever.

Generally for standardized (removable) batteries, there is room (so the dumb customers can replace the batteries lol). So I don't know if that would cause it. Hence why I am assuming that if the device wasn't a part of the problem, then they aren't technically responsible.
Otherwise I don't care what Apple does for PR. I don't think there is any one thing they could do that would make me like the company. All I see is that it doesn't look like it's Apple's problem, and appeasing the masses when problems arise isn't what Apple does either (even sometimes when they are at fault lol).

What is common sense? There is no guidance on common sense and people don't know it even exists.

I know. However I still wish certain warnings wouldn't be needed.

The don't know that common sense exist, do you think everyone knows that batteries are able to explode? If you buy a brand in a store, for as cheap a brand they are, if the store is selling them means they had to go through certifications, because you bought them on a reputable store, that sells certified products by local authorities, if it's a cheap or an expensive battery you are starting with the premise that it won't freaking blow up.

No one should assume everything will have no defects. And it should be common knowledge that the cheaper the item is, the more likely that it could have defects or won't last as long.

In any case, she got unlucky. But if she wanted to actually resolve something, she should go after the battery manufacturer.

 

[Kibaruk]

No one should assume everything will have no defects. And it should be common knowledge that the cheaper the item is, the more likely that it could have defects or won't last as long.

Following your common sense guidelines, I would expect my battery to not last that much, deplete faster, hold many less charges than a more expensive one. No, I'm definitely not expecting it to blow up on my face just because it was cheaper.

 

[lazer]

With all due respect to the many above commenters who bashed Apple, I happen to think that perhaps they are correct: If the batteries were defective, it should be the battery manufacturers who are at blame, not Apple.

 

[Kibaruk]

With all due respect to the many above commenters who bashed Apple, I happen to think that perhaps they are correct: If the batteries were defective, it should be the battery manufacturers who are at blame, not Apple.

Hi, I understand your concern with the posts, although we are not at fault here, please do have my like.

Edit: No, you won't have my like, this was an example, an inexpensive almost free one (I do have to pay the electric bills =P).

 

[m4a4]

Following your common sense guidelines, I would expect my battery to not last that much, deplete faster, hold many less charges than a more expensive one. No, I'm definitely not expecting it to blow up on my face just because it was cheaper.

My "guideline" says defects, I'd say that blowing up would be a big defect

 

[cliffordcooley]

If the batteries were defective, it should be the battery manufacturers who are at blame, not Apple.

It is my opinion that Apple may not be to blame. But they can step in and help this woman in her battle with those that are to blame. That is instead of kicking her to the curb. Prove to this woman Apple wants her to continue paying for their products and how sorry they are for her misfortune.

 

[captaincranky]

Well, I'm 68 (or so), and I have never seen a set of batteries spontaneously explode, period. I have never seen a device cause a set of batteries explode, period. And boyz and gurlz, I'm from the crappy carbon zinc era.

We used to have these whoppers to power portable tube (valve)radios:

 

[cliffordcooley]

We used to have these whoppers to power portable tube (valve)radios:

Yeah that is back when they thought using insulation was a no-brainer. Now it is so thin there is hardly any insulation at all. There really is no wonder we now have them explode.

 

[Evernessince]

That makes no sense. You are asking to a computer manufacturing company to be an insurance. Come on, they are way more expert than all of us about brand reputation. What is the purpose of your comment?

No, I'm asking for them to show basic good business ethics which in turn gives them free good PR. Instead they act like they have no money. As I pointed out earlier, they should have bad at least some basic protection to prevent the issue in the article on cans this pricey. For example, this has never happened to Bose or Audio Technica.

 

[ddferrari]

If Apple is as smart as they claim, perhaps they should start designing their products that use aftermarket batteries to work even with "out of spec" batteries. Or build in a circuit breaker (?) if anomalies are detected with an indicator light. Or at least provide the exact specs the battery must have.

As Kibaruk said, people expect cheap batteries to wear out sooner, not cause explosions. Apple could have had the woman sign something stating she'd receive a one-time payment and is waiving her right to further litigation. $500 for new headphones (like she'd buy another pair of Beats) and her clothes, but no.

Now I hope she lawyers-up and takes them to the cleaners.

 

[Mc128k]

No, I'm asking for them to show basic good business ethics which in turn gives them free good PR. Instead they act like they have no money. As I pointed out earlier, they should have bad at least some basic protection to prevent the issue in the article on cans this pricey. For example, this has never happened to Bose or Audio Technica.

If you knew something about PR, then you would have figured out that if they do it with one person they have to do it with everybody using bad cells. And that makes no sense. Remember about exploding iPhone batteries? Where users were the one that made them explode in most cases after a few incidents?

 

[Evernessince]

If you knew something about PR, then you would have figured out that if they do it with one person they have to do it with everybody using bad cells. And that makes no sense. Remember about exploding iPhone batteries? Where users were the one that made them explode in most cases after a few incidents?

Yes, because if they help one person with exploding batteries they have to do everyone...oh wait this is the only reported issue lately with these headphones.

Do you even think over your own scenarios?

"Where users were the one that made them explode in most cases after a few incidents?"

And did anyone say that Apple still couldn't deny this to people when they find definite proof of foul play? You must be new to the world, in that any system that can be abused will be. Or are you saying that people will get mad at Apple for denying people a replacement when they provide proof that it is the user's malicious intent. In case you didn't read the article, Apple doesn't state that that this person did it purposefully. In fact, everyone on the plane can attest to that.

Not everything has to be black and white as you make it out to be.

 

[Mc128k]

Yes, because if they help one person with exploding batteries they have to do everyone...oh wait this is the only reported issue lately with these headphones.

Do you even think over your own scenarios?

"Where users were the one that made them explode in most cases after a few incidents?"

And did anyone say that Apple still couldn't deny this to people when they find definite proof of foul play? You must be new to the world, in that any system that can be abused will be. Or are you saying that people will get mad at Apple for denying people a replacement when they provide proof that it is the user's malicious intent. In case you didn't read the article, Apple doesn't state that that this person did it purposefully. In fact, everyone on the plane can attest to that.

Not everything has to be black and white as you make it out to be.

I'm not interested in discussing this any further, I'm just saying that if they get "too good" with users who "misuse" their products, then their system gets abused, like you say. It's a kind of education if you will, they can't "spoil" their customers.
The person didn't do it purposefully of course, she just bought crap batteries, and apparently they overheated. That's it.

Yes, not everything is black or white, but there are some problems that come down to a binary choice (like spam messages for example), and even if you say otherwise, these are black/white problems that have to be solved.
With a more specific case of course there are details, but overall you can come out with the choice of "say it's our fault" or "it's not our fault". And that's what people understand, because we all try to simplify the data we perceive.

 

[Evernessince]

I'm not interested in discussing this any further, I'm just saying that if they get "too good" with users who "misuse" their products, then their system gets abused, like you say. It's a kind of education if you will, they can't "spoil" their customers.
The person didn't do it purposefully of course, she just bought crap batteries, and apparently they overheated. That's it.

Yes, not everything is black or white, but there are some problems that come down to a binary choice (like spam messages for example), and even if you say otherwise, these are black/white problems that have to be solved.
With a more specific case of course there are details, but overall you can come out with the choice of "say it's our fault" or "it's not our fault". And that's what people understand, because we all try to simplify the data we perceive.

So let's pull out what we know

- Apple provided a product that requires 3rd party batteries to operate. Apple does not provide required specifications other than "AAA". Customer inserts AAA batteries and then this happens.
- Apple's product doesn't even have basic safety features that much cheaper wireless headphones have
- The Apple Beats headphone in question does not have an internal battery, which once again is something you'd expect at this price point

So your going to tell me that Apple didn't know that sometimes bad batteries happen (surprise! Any product can be defective), which of course they know about that, and that they didn't decide to ignore it? Or are you going to tell me that Apple didn't know that people would try to stick the cheapest batteries they can find into the thing? If Apple didn't know about that I would have to seriously question both their quality control and engineers.

Apple could have snapped their fingers to get this person a replacement and then either revised their hardware or their manual (which would have been cake). Your idea that they would have to pay for everyone's suddenly exploding beats (which you are assuming these will magically start appearing) is completely irrelevant because why wouldn't Apple either revise the manual, include batteries, or add a safety feature? Answer: they would and no company would just sit there and loose money when the solution is cheaper.

 

[Raoul Duke]

Well, I'm 68 (or so), and I have never seen a set of batteries spontaneously explode, period. I have never seen a device cause a set of batteries explode, period. And boyz and gurlz, I'm from the crappy carbon zinc era.

We used to have these whoppers to power portable tube (valve)radios:

Yikes! A 90 volt battery, and by the size it probably could put out enough amperage to start a car

 

[captaincranky]

Yikes! A 90 volt battery, and by the size it probably could put out enough amperage to start a car

Not exactly. With respect to audio amplifiers, tubes create gain by magnifying voltage swing. Transistor amplifiers work primarily by increasing current.

So in that beast of a 90 volt battery, you'd have 60 tiny 1.5 volt carbon zinc cells, wired in series. There's high voltage, but low current. In all likelihood, the absolute amperage available from the B+ supply, was less than that available in today's smartphones

 

[Larry13]

Yikes! A 90 volt battery, and by the size it probably could put out enough amperage to start a car

Not exactly. With respect to audio amplifiers, tubes create gain by magnifying voltage swing. Transistor amplifiers work primarily by increasing current.

So in that beast of a 90 volt battery, you'd have 60 tiny 1.5 volt carbon zinc cells, wired in series. There's high voltage, but low current. In all likelihood, the absolute amperage available from the B+ supply, was less than that available in today's smartphones

Have to add my 2cents...
In 60 plus years of electronics repair/construction, I have never seen a carbon-zink or alkaline AAA with enough energy to burn as you see in the photo.
The only thing I would believe were if somehow Li-Ion battery was substituted. Li-Ion will burn like a road flare if shorted and match the photo.
This would also be non approved replacement that Apple would not warranty.
Has anyone seen a Lithium AAA substitute??
Larry