Blast from the past...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/nov/16/apple-recalls-ipods-safety-fears?newsfeed=true 
1st Generation iPods that were sold between September 2005 and December 2006, which first began Apple's success story in the portable digital music world, are now being swapped over fears the batteries may catch fire. 'Apple sold just over 60m iPods in total' over the year and 3 month period mentioned above, and they are now offering a swap service.  Fortunately for Apple, it is likely that a lot of people who bought those 60 million iPods 5 years ago have long disposed of, or lost, the item.  It is unlikely that many people will hear, or take interest in this information due to its age and so there will probably be a minimal effect on the company.  Other large suppliers such as Sony have experienced similar issues over the years with laptop batteries, but it seems to be the way that the problem is dealt with that makes the difference.  Offering a swap service is a fairly good deal and probably just a drop in the ocean of lost dosh for Apple to keep future sales up.  The swap service is unfortunately not for the latest model, but a replacement 1st Generation pod and through not actually officially recalling the item has probably kept the bad attention away from the company.