If you have a 6th generation iPod Touch (which will have probably iOS 12.5.7 on it), the battery level indicator has always been unreliable.
Many, (most) of my devices (the non-Apple ones) will show the percentage at the time while of charge, in other words, if the device is at 25% before plugging in, it will show that 25% when first plugged in. The figure will gradually increase as the battery has more charge. If unplugged at (for example) 80%, then the battery indicator would continue to show 80% for a short while. As I used the device, the power level would gradually drop, as I expect.
But this is not what happens with the 6th gen iPod Touch. On this model of iPod, if it's at 25% power remaining before being plugged in, the indicator can show almost any high figure (such as 50% or higher). But as soon as it's unplugged, that figure drops back to the 25%, or perhaps 26-27%.
I can only assume that the figure is being influenced by the power of the charger, not what is actually in the battery.
As an experiment, I tested one of my iPod Touch devices just now:
- before plugging in - on-screen message stated "very low battery". The percentage indictor showed 10%
- plugged into power. Initially the Lock Screen stated 10% charged. Within a minute it was up to 54%
- I unplugged the charger. The percentage indicator continued to show 54% for a very short while. Then it dropped down to 12%, even though the only thing in use was the screen and operating system (i.e. no apps)
- Plugged power back in and within seconds the indicator stated 44% charged. I unplugged once again and the power indicator stayed at 44% for a very short while, the dropped to about 12% again, without using any of the apps.
My conclusion is that the battery percentage indicator is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. Not only that, but the run time of a fully charged 6th generation iPod Touch is simply awful and always has been. I own two and prior to that I had a 2nd gen Touch and a Classic, both of which had far superior run times.
The only tips I can offer are to let the iPod reach fully charged before unplugging it (not just 99%) and that if you want to have a decent run time, take a portable battery pack and the iPod's cable with you to plug into the iPod and top up the power.
