Apple yesterday released iOS 4.2, bringing many improvements to the popular mobile operating system. Unfortunately, some users found that updating their iPhone to the latest software version caused their iPhone music to disappear, according to AppleInsider.

Users on the Apple Discussions forums have found that the music was not erased, but simply needs to be re-synced. This method reportedly fixes the issue in question:

  1. Connect your iOS device to your Mac or PC and open iTunes.
  2. Select your device from the left column.
  3. Underneath your device in the left column, select "music" and play a song.
  4. Click "Sync" in iTunes to re-sync your music library.
  5. Open iPod.app on your iOS device and wait a moment while your library is repopulated.

Apart from this bug, the 624.3MB update for iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad, is worth the hassle. It delivers new applications, performance improvements, and security fixes. Apple has added AirPlay, for streaming media from your portable device to a compatible TV or speakers, AirPrint, for printing content wirelessly (only works with select HP printers at the moment), and the Game Center, which lets you play social multiplayer games. On the iPad, the update also adds multitasking and folders.

The latest software update was released as iOS 4.2, but is technically iOS 4.2.1. Version 4.2 beta was released to developers earlier this month, but Wi-Fi connectivity issues forced Apple to build a second golden master before public release.