The batteries are suspected of overheating. The recall follows Dell's decision to recall laptop batteries last week. The computers affected by the recall are the iBook G4 and the Powerbook G4.

Apple said in a statement:

"We discovered that some Sony batteries in previous models of PowerPC-based iBooks and PowerBooks do not meet Apple's standards for safety and performance.

"Our number one priority is to recall and replace the affected batteries free of charge."

The batteries were made by Sony, which also supplied Dell with laptop batteries. Read the full story on the BBC website.