At one time, iPod battery life was such a problem that some users sued Apple – and won a major settlement in the process. Back then, iPods were supposed to get 8-10 hours of battery life, but commonly ran for only 4-6. Companies began to offer both external iPod battery packs and replacement internal batteries, doubling and in some cases even octupling an iPod’s run time. The cost? $20 to $100, depending on your needs.
Today’s iPods run longer and more reliably than their predecessors, typically achieving 14 hours or more of playback if you’re not actively using the screen and controls. External batteries and internal replacements have become less useful, and less common – options for travelers more than anyone else.
The only reason the average iPod owner will need an extra battery now is for video playback, which discharges iPods six times faster than audio playback, and literally requires external battery power for longer-term viewing. Though there are already electronically compatible options out there, battery makers are now working to develop batteries that physically fit the latest video-capable iPods, as well as iPod nanos. You can check out our Battery accessory reviews here.
