The horror story for Anker does not end. Just weeks after the global recall of more than 1.1 million units at the beginning of this month, the brand now faces a second major scare at the end of June, with the withdrawal of five additional power bank models. This new batch raised concerns about the risk of overheating, smoke, and, in extreme cases, fire.

This second recall is a voluntary action by the company to protect users. And with good reason: the first recall, which occurred around June 13, was the result of a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States, which detailed at least 19 reports of incidents where A1263 units had overheated, exploded, or caused minor burns, with material damage exceeding $60,000.

That initial recall included specific guarantees for users: Anker offered two options—a $30 gift card to its official store, or an improved model (A1388) with a digital display—provided a photo with the serial number and image of the unit was uploaded along with a sheet written "Recalled," the name, and the date. In addition, although they did not require the return of the original unit, they did urge it to be disposed of at authorized points for lithium batteries.

Models included in this second round and reasons for the recall

This time, the devices under scrutiny are five models that include recent improvements (digital display, fast charging, integrated cables...), but which allegedly share a fault in the internal battery module, similar to that of the A1263:

The crux of the problem is once again the risk of overheating, with the possibility of melting, smoke emission or even combustion, which makes these devices a significant threat if they remain in use. The official recommendation: stop using them immediately, contact Anker with photos of the serial number and model, and choose between a free replacement or a gift card, along with a request for responsible recycling.

Why is this so serious for Anker and what are its implications?

This latest blow adds to the reputational damage it was already facing after the massive recall in June. That first round focused on insulation failures within lithium batteries supplied by the same faulty supplier. Now, the continuation of these incidents raises serious questions about the lack of rigor in its quality control and its ability to oversee the supply chain.

The pressure isn't just coming from the public: authorities in different countries are adopting stricter measures. For example, regulators in China and other nations are reportedly restricting the use and transport of suspicious power banks on flights, as a way to minimize risks in the cabin.

These latest recalls have led Anker to sever ties with its problematic battery supplier (Apex/Amprius) and establish a relationship with ATL, the same manufacturer that supplies giants like Apple and Samsung. While it sounds promising, it's no guarantee that other episodes won't happen again—you only have to remember the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco to know that one change doesn't fix everything.

Moreover, tech experts point to the need for pandemic-level transparency in the process: reporting when protocols are fixed, how batteries are tested, and how long-term user safety is guaranteed. Because in tech, it doesn't matter how good the offering is: if you raise doubts about something as basic as turning on a device, you lose market share.

What should consumers do?

For consumers, the roadmap is clear:

For Anker, the challenge is twofold: it needs to act quickly, offer tangible guarantees of reliability, and build a robust oversight system to prevent further fiascos. So far, the response has been swift and open, but in the face of public opinion and competition, there's still a long way to go.

And while some users appreciate this transparency and willingness to respond to the crisis, many others are distancing themselves. As a brand that has always been committed to reliable quality at a fair price, it can't afford any more failures that call that promise into question.