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iPhone battery issues a software problem not a hardware problem
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It didn't take long for issues with the iPhone 3GS battery to begin popping up around the web. In fact, the first signs that the battery had a problem came before the iPhone 3GS was even launched.
Time travel?
Not quite. The first issues were with the iPhone 3G equipped with the new iPhone 3.0 OS, which was released days prior to the iPhone 3GS launch. Soon after the operating system was released, iPhone users began reporting issues with their battery not even lasting through a full day without needing a recharge.
This has led to speculation that the battery issue is a software problem, not a hardware problem. This speculation is effectively confirmed when looking at the battery for the new iPhone 3GS, which is virtually identical to the iPhone 3G's battery.
One likely culprit is Push Notification, which allows apps to receive messages "pushed" to it from a server. This means an internet connection must be open, which will obviously drain some battery power. One way to help the battery last a little longer is to disable push notification on email accounts.
But the real fix will hopefully come with the iPhone 3.1 OS release, which is in beta now. While Push Notification is an obvious drain on the battery, some experts speculate that it alone isn't enough to cause the amount of battery drain we are seeing, and perhaps other features of the phone are being left on by the new OS.
What about those that constantly use their phone throughout the day and need to have push notification turned on? One of the biggest downsides of the iPhone is the sealed cover, which means users can't easily replace the battery. The Mophie Juice Pack Air Case has a rechargable battery for the iPhone, which can extend the amount of time you can go before recharging the phone. The Morphie Juice Pack Air Case costs around $80.
As for those who want to track what they can do with their remaining juice, Battery Go! is an app that will determine how long you can talk, watch videos or surf the internet based on how much battery life is in your phone.
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