The first report of an exploding iPod came when a man tried to fix his iPod Shuffle in June 2006.The Unofficial Apple Weblog: Exploding Shuffle (June 19, 2006) Using a knife, he attempted to cut open the device. It then exploded in his face. Numerous reports of exploding iPod Nanos have been reported since 2007.Gizmodo: iPod Nano Explodes During Charge (April 2, 2007) An Atlanta man had his first generation iPod Nano explode while inside his pocket on October 5, 2007. The story was reported by Atlanta television station WSB-TV, who then sent pictures of the iPod Nano along to Apple.Yahoo! Tech: iPod nano Bursts Into Flames Inside Man's Pants (October 5, 2007) In return, Apple pledged to replace the man's iPod. A specific cause for the explosion is not currently known.

On August 19, 2008, Engadget reported that Apple will issue replacements to anyone experiencing unsafe sparks or explosions with first generation iPod Nanos.Engadget: Apple Admits...Nano Smoking...Will Replace... (August 19, 2008) In their statement to the press, Apple explains, "...In very rare cases batteries in first generation iPod nanos sold between September 2005 and December 2006 can overheat causing failure and deformation of the iPod nano. Apple has received very few reports of such incidents (less than 0.001 percent of first generation iPod nano units), which have been traced back to a single battery supplier. There have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage, and no reports of incidents for any other iPod nano model."Engadget: Apple Admits...Nano Smoking...Will Replace... (August 19, 2008)

The Consumerist blog reported about a reader named Dale whose iPod Nano exploded while charging at his computer on August 16, 2008.The Consumerist: iPod Nano Explodes While Charging (August 17, 2008) When the story was initially reported, Apple did not replace the iPod Nano although tech support originally stated they would do so, even though it is no longer under warranty. When the man in question went to his nearest Apple Store they refused to replace his unit or his iPod cables. According to Dale, "After reading another issue or two, it appears as though apple is now saying that even if it is a faulty piece of equipment and does damage to other objects or people, that it is NOT their responsibility to replace it unless you have a current warranty."The Consumerist: iPod Nano Explodes While Charging (August 17, 2008)