Comment 46 for bug 1313430

I tried Michael Clare's post (#44) that syncing the iPod with a proper iTunes software will make said device work with Linux...and it actually worked! I could connect my iPod Touch (2nd Gen) and add music through Rhythmbox. HOWEVER, after I downloading an app to the device from the App Store, it stopped functioning again. Once I reconnected the iPod to iTunes and let the device sync (used my girlfriend's laptop for all of this, by the way), it was able to connect with Rhythmbox and function normally.

TL,DR: Sync your iPod to a proper iTunes to make it work with Rhythmbox. Just don't download any apps for it unless you have access to iTunes to sync with later.