Users of new iPod touch devices running iOS 4 onwards are apparently having problems with rapid battery drain. The latest release of the iOS software, version 4.2.1 does not appear to have fixed the issue and Apple has yet to issue a fix for the problem.
This article was prompted by readers of AppleBitch who noted that, while the release of iOS 4.2.1 was good for most folk, users of the iPod Touch who updated their devices to the new operating system were left disappointed when their devices continued to lose battery life quickly. The thread on the Apple Support forums describing this problem is, at time of writing, over 110 pages in length. You can check out the thread here.
While battery life issues are not uncommon in devices with constant wireless network connections, users believe that the power consumption observed following the iOS 4 update (issued in July) is excessive. In some cases, batteries are apparently fully discharging overnight even when the device is idle and not in use.
Until Apple issues a fix or even acknowledges that there is an issue there are a number of things that users can do to extend battery life such as turning off Bluetooth, using Airplane mode when not in use, turning off Push and as a last effort, performing a full restore from backup (sometimes this can fix problems caused by updates).
However, it remains for Apple to address this problem as soon as possible (especially since my Dad is getting one for Christmas).
Post your comments if you are still having issues following the 4.2.1 update as it seems a little fuzzy whether this has cured the problem.
No battery drain issues if you
