I reported earlier this month that Apple has faced problems with its iPOD exploding. Particularly, one case in the UK. Today, the BBC reported that Apple responded to reports of a number of iPhones exploding in France suggesting it was not due to a battery problem.

Apple states the devices were damaged due to “external force” meaning somebody did it. However, customers deny this allegation. In one case a security guard in France was hit in the eye with a piece of glass from an exploding iPhone.

A French consumer watchdog group has begun an investigation into the explosions. Furthermore, Europe’s Rapex, which is a rapid alert system concerning dangerous consumer products has issued an alert to over 27 countries.

Apple has sold 26 million iPhones and 200 million iPods to date.