One of the new features, that was probably one of the smallest, in the iPhone 3GS was the fact that beside the battery left, Apple placed a battery percentage left meter. It allows users to see exactly how much juice their iPhone has in it.
However, Apple said that they would not be adding the feature to iPod touch devices because, apparently the battery does not support it. However, this is untrue.
One way users can accomplish getting a battery percentage meter on an iPod touch is by installing SBsettings from Cydia (requires jailbroken device). However, many users feel that this application will actually decrease battery life, making it unappealing.
The other way you can get a battery percentage meter on an iPod touch is by manually modifying a few system files. Obviously this is risky and should not be done if you have doubts with messing with the system. This method requires a jailbroken device and iFile to be installed on the iPod touch (available via Cydia).
iPod touch running iPhone OS 3:
Step 1: Launch iFile
Step 2: Navigate to: /var/Stash/Aplications.pwn/Preferences.app/General.plist
- Please note that your "Applications.pwn" is usually not called that. It is usually "Applications." followed by random numbers and letters
Step 3: Enter the General.plist file and click "Edit"
Step 4: Navigate to the section that defines "UsageController"
Step 5: Find the string that says:
<array>
<string>unified-ipod</string>
</array>
Modify it so it reads:
<array>
<dict><key>unified-ipod</key>
<false/>
</dict>
</array>
Click "Save"
Step 6: If your device is a first-generation iPod touch, the next file will be called N45AP.plist or for a second-generation iPod touch, it will be called N72AP.plist
Navigate to: /System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app and the specific file name (above) to your device
Step 7: Click "Edit" and at the end of the capabilities section (first </dict>), add this sting:
<key>gas-gauge-battery</key>
<true/>
Step 8: Finally, restart your device, enter the Settings app>General>Usage and turn on "Battery Percentage"
iPod touch running iOS 4:
Step 1: Launch iFile
Step 2: Navigate to: /var/Stash/Aplications.pwn/Preferences.app/General.plist
- Please note that your "Applications.pwn" is usually not called that. It is usually "Applications." followed by random numbers and letters
Step 3: Enter the General.plist file and click "Edit"
Step 4: Navigate to the section that defines "UsageController"
Step 5: Find the string that says:
<array>
<string>cellular-data</string>
</array>
Modify it so it reads:
<array>
<string>unified-ipod</string>
</array>
and modify that to:
<array>
<dict><key>unified-ipod</key>
<false/>
</dict>
</array>
Click "Save"
Step 6: If your device is a first-generation iPod touch, the next file will be called N45AP.plist or for a second-generation iPod touch, it will be called N72AP.plist
Navigate to: /System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app and the specific file name (above) to your device
Step 7: Click "Edit" and at the end of the capabilities section (first </dict>), add this sting:
<key>gas-gauge-battery</key>
<true/>
Step 8: Finally, restart your device, enter the Settings app>General>Usage and turn on "Battery Percentage"
Congratulations! You have just enabled a battery percentage meter on your iPod touch!
