Apple admits laptop battery defect

Apple has admitted that some of the batteries powering its MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops have ‘performance issues’ and that some are ‘visibly deformed.’

Customer complaints circulating since the laptop ranges were launched in 2006 have included reports of the battery being swollen, it not being recognised, of it running down quickly and it not charging up at all.

In response, Apple has issued a software update to fix the issue and has offered to replace defective batteries. However the firm does insist the problem does not threaten safety: "The factors causing the performance issues do not present a safety risk. You may continue to use your current battery," said Apple, according to the BBC.

The firm also advised users to install the update on all "MacBook and MacBook Pro computers and extra batteries that were purchased between February 2006 and April 2007".