Anker recently announced that it is voluntarily recalling its 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K), as it can pose a fire and safety risk due to an overheating issue.
The 535 Power Bank retailed for $110, and it provided a 19,200mAh capacity with charging up to 60W. Anker advertised it for laptop devices. Model A1366 is the device that's being recalled, with the model number listed on the bottom of the battery.
Anker is working with local government agencies to ensure a safe recall process, and it is asking all customers who own the Anker 535 Power Bank to stop using the device and dispose of it at a facility that accepts lithium batteries.
According to Anker, a small number of devices are affected. One of the 535 Power Banks was cited as the "most probable cause" of a house fire in Maryland last week. The fire began in a suitcase that contained the Power Bank, which had been used the previous week. There were no other electrical devices in the suitcase that would have started a fire.
After disposal, customers who purchased one of the power banks can initiate a refund through the Anker website. An order number will be required, as will proof of purchase.
Monday February 3, 2025 1:15 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple does not approve of the "Hot Tub" pornography app that was released for the iPhone in the EU using alternative app distribution, Apple said in a statement to MacRumors. Further, Apple is concerned about the potential user safety risks with a pornography app, and says that it undermines consumer trust in the Apple ecosystem.
We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore...
Tuesday February 4, 2025 8:00 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple today announced the launch of a new app called "Invites," which is designed to allow users to plan events like birthday parties, graduations, vacations, baby showers, and more.
"With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together," said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple's senior director of...
Tuesday February 4, 2025 9:35 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple this week increased the prices for its monthly AppleCare+ subscription prices for the iPhone, raising the cost by 50 cents for all models in the United States.
Standard AppleCare+ for the iPhone 16 models is now priced at $10.49 per month, for example, up from the prior $9.99 per month price. The 50 cent price increase applies to all available AppleCare+ plans for Apple's current...
Wednesday February 5, 2025 7:15 am PST by Joe Rossignol
iOS 18.3 was released last month, so the first iOS 18.4 beta should be coming soon. iOS 18.4 is expected to be a more substantial update for the iPhone, with several new features and changes related to Apple Intelligence and beyond.
Apple's website suggests that iOS 18.4 will be released in April, following beta testing. Below, we outline what to expect from the update so far.
Apple...
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:17 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple hasn't refreshed the Apple TV since 2022, but rumors suggest that we're finally going to get an update in 2025. We don't have a full picture of what to expect yet, but we have some hints on what's coming.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
Updated A-Series Chip
The current Apple TV 4K uses the A15 Bionic chip that was in the iPhone 13 lineup, and it's time for...
Tuesday February 4, 2025 7:11 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Update: The new Apple Invites app has officially been announced.
The main iCloud.com page has seemingly confirmed Apple's rumored invites tool, which has yet to be officially announced by the company.
The page says "Apple Invites" will be an iCloud+ feature:Upgrade to iCloud+ to get more storage, plan events with Apple Invites, and have peace of mind with privacy features like iCloud...
Sunday February 2, 2025 6:15 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple previously teased that Powerbeats Pro 2 would be released in 2025, and now an announcement date has leaked. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said Apple plans to unveil the wireless earbuds on Tuesday, February 11.
Powerbeats Pro 2 will be priced at $250 in the U.S., he said.
Powerbeats Pro are a sportier, fitness-focused alternative to AirPods Pro with built-in, adjustable ear hooks...
Monday February 3, 2025 11:13 am PST by Juli Clover
In the European Union, the Digital Markets Act allows developers to distribute iOS apps through alternate app stores. While Apple checks those apps for malware and other malicious content, there are few restrictions on subject matter, unlike Apple's own App Store. As a result, EU users can now download the first dedicated native pornography app created for the iPhone.
Called Hot Tub, the app ...
Can someone explain to me what happened with Anker and why the consensus has become negative these days?
I used to buy Anker cables but I just stick to OEM Apple or Belkin these days anyway. I bought a battery bank from Mophie instead recently too.
I’m just surprised because a few months ago everybody was positive about Anker?
They’ve been getting some bad press. People are quick to change their minds about something but I don’t see any change in the quality of their charging products. I don’t know about all the other things they make.
Most of the bad press I’ve seen is from their camera brand, Eufy. I think that’s where some of the Chinese spy comments are coming from. They’ve have some significant privacy issues with how they’re handling customer data. I would not recommend their cameras until something big changes and they get their stuff together.
People are jumping on this recall, but every company has recalls. What’s important is they’ve taking this seriously and are doing the recall.
One of the 535 Power Banks was cited as the "most probable cause" of a house fire ('https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2023/02/10/recalled-anker-power-bank-likely-cause-of-maryland-house-fire/69891765007/') in Maryland last week. The fire began in a suitcase that contained the Power Bank, which had been used the previous week. There were no other electrical devices in the suitcase that would have started a fire.
Yikes.. as if they don't have enough bad PR already.
Can’t believe that people not long ago used to strongly recommend this brand everywhere I looked, now almost everyone is saying to stay away from them. I don’t know what happened. ?
Once reviews come out, some companies start cutting corners and try to rely on the initial glowing reviews. SSD manufacturers are also notorious for doing this.
Was going to say ... lol. Anker is a pretty respected brand name. It's been around for awhile. Their products are pretty good. (And I didn't get paid or get paid to say this). I also frequent these forums and haven't seen it here, so not sure where "almost everyone" is coming from. lol.
I've got a similar battery - Model: A1290 (737) - the 26k version of this. It's been a powerhouse (no pun intended) for me. Very cool despite being able to output at 60w. I've never felt it hot, even though I charge it with my MBP chargers and use it to power my MBP sometimes.
I've used a lot of Anker batteries over the last 10+ years. I've had really good results with their batteries and technology. Still using one of their LED laps now for 6? years.
I'm a huge battery hobbyist and I've given several dozen of these batteries to people I know (gives me an excuse to buy another one). Never had a problem with a battery overheating or anything - had some of the USB ports not work on one, but Anker fixed it via warranty without question.
I've been wanting one of their 1500w Powerhouse 757 models really bad for California power outages but it's a bit out of my wallet range. I have the Powerhouse 521 with the LiPO batteries and use it every day to offload my office power during 4-9pm.
