Apple confirms LCD flaw in "limited" iPod nanos

Apple today confirmed an LCD manufacturing flaw in some of its iPod nanos, while downplaying other complaints about the device's external finish. First noted last week, the news of cracked/broken LCD screens has led to widespread news coverage as well as a new website to track how widespread the problem is and allow customers to share their experiences with Apple's support/return policies. Apple said the issue was very limited and only affects a small number of owners, according to Macworld UK: "This is a real but minor issue involving a vendor quality problem in a small number of units. Our figures show this issue has affected less than 1/10 of 1 per cent of the total iPod nano units that we've shipped. It is not a design issue." Apple is offering free replacement to affected customers. [updated: first published 9/27]

However, Apple is moving to quelch rumors that the iPod nano is more susceptible to scratches than previous generation iPods, according to the same report. Apple is claiming the Nano player is made with the same quality materials as fourth-generation iPods. Apple claimed to have received "very few" calls concerning the external durability and suggested that customers use one of the iPod nano cases to protect the devices.

Update: A Reuters quotes Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, as saying the broken screens were due to a "vendor quality issue" that affected "less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the total iPod nano units that we've shipped."

Filed under: iPod