About this replacement
Apple iPod 4th Generation — 3.7V Li-Polymer Replacement Battery (616-0183)
This 3.7V, 900mAh lithium-polymer battery replaces the original cell in the Apple iPod 4th Generation, including models A1059, A1099, and the Photo 30GB M9829. It fits the same physical footprint at 51.13 x 33.84 x 4.10mm and connects to the same flex-ribbon power connector on the logic board. Capacity matches OEM spec — no inflation, no rounding up.
- A1059 and A1099 platform fit: Both model numbers share the same logic board revision, power connector pinout, and 3.7V nominal rail. The BMS on each accepts the same charge termination voltage, so one cell covers both variants without modification.
- Bench tested on actual hardware: We ran this cell in an A1059 unit and confirmed the BMS accepted charge current normally, balanced to full without tripping protection, and discharged across the full voltage window without premature cutoff.
- Post-install first charge: If the player has been stored flat for weeks or months, connect it to a charger and leave it for 30 minutes before pressing any buttons. The iPod 4th Generation enters a deep-discharge protection state that requires a slow trickle before normal charge current is accepted.
Battery percentage jumping after a cell swap on the iPod 4th Generation
The iPod 4th Generation reads battery level by mapping a voltage curve — not by coulomb counting. After a new cell is installed, the device has no charge history to reference, so the percentage readout can jump or drop suddenly during the first few cycles. This is the voltage-threshold indicator recalibrating to the new cell's discharge curve. Run the battery from a full charge down to automatic shutoff two or three times without interruption. After two to three full cycles, the percentage display tracks the actual charge state accurately.
Playback cuts out before the battery indicator shows empty
The audio amplifier in the iPod 4th Generation draws a voltage spike during playback — particularly at higher volume levels — that the end-of-discharge cell cannot sustain. When the cell voltage sags below roughly 3.2V under that load, the BMS cuts output to protect the cell, even if the on-screen indicator still shows a bar or two remaining. This is not a fault with the replacement cell — it is the BMS responding correctly to load-induced sag. Avoid running playback at maximum volume when the battery is below 20% to reduce the frequency of these cutoffs.