Announced yesterday. See

https://depot.info.apple.com/battery...x.html?lang=en

> In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
> (CPSC) and other international safety authorities, Apple is
> voluntarily recalling certain lithium ion rechargeable batteries that
> were sold worldwide from October 2004 through May 2005 for use with
> the following notebook computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook
> G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. These batteries were manufactured by LG
> Chem, Ltd. of South Korea.
>
> The affected batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard to
> consumers. Apple has received six consumer reports of these batteries
> overheating. If you have a recalled battery, please stop using it and
> order a replacement battery immediately. Once you have removed the
> battery, plug in the AC adapter to power the computer. If you must
> temporarily use your computer with the battery, do not leave it
> unattended and check for signs of overheating.
>
> Apple has initiated a worldwide exchange program and will provide
> eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge.
Identifying your battery
>
> The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078,
> and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 and
> 3X446 through 3X510. To view the model and serial numbers labeled on
> the bottom of the battery, you must remove the battery from the
> computer. The battery serial number is printed in black or dark grey
> lettering beneath a barcode. See photos below. Please use the chart
> below to identify the battery model and serial numbers that apply to
> your iBook or PowerBook.


Exchange can be dealt with very simply on line .. and my battery
(HQ442....) is on the list and now sitting on the table next to me.
Fortunately I use it mostly plugged in so it will not be a great
inconvenience.

Phil