• Will Apple Recall the iPhone 4?

    Will Apple Recall the iPhone 4?

    Techtree News Staff, Jul 14, 2010 1249 hrs IST

    Is the reception issue with the iPhone 4 antenna pushing Apple to consider a recall?

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Almost a month after the launch of the iPhone 4, to say that the entire launch saga has been a picture perfect one would be a hard thing to do. Yes, it did sell in mind boggling numbers, it broke previous records set by the previous generation iPhones as well. But all these achievements were overshadowed by one major problem - the reception issue with the iPhone 4 antenna.

Just a few days ago, U.S.-based Cosumerreports.org had in an article that explained why they would not recommend an iPhone 4 to consumers owing to its serious signal reception issues. It also explained why Apple, and not iPhone users, should fix the problem. If you recall, Steve Jobs had apparently asked people to hold the iPhone "correctly" to avoid the reception issues.




If you are one of those few people who are still in the dark as to what this reception issue actually is, let us explain. You might be aware that the iPhone 4,unlike most other phones, has its GSM/3G and Wi-Fi antennae integrated with the external shell of the device. This is, of course, a great way to save some valuable real estate on a device that is just 9.3 mm thin. Now, due to the antennae being located externally, when your hand comes in contact with a particular a spot on the phone's lower left side, and you also happen to be in a low signal area, the signal shows a significant drop and even leads to complete loss of connection. This issue has been particularly noticed by left handed users because their hands touch the sweet spot during normal usage of the iPhone.

Apart from the suggestion to hold the iPhone 4 appropriately, Apple has also said that it is working on a software update that will potentially solve the issue with the signal reception indication bar on the phone. The company is yet to announce any other solution apart from this.

Of late, there has been speculations regarding an iPhone 4 product recall which would be an expensive proposition for Apple. The question on everyone's minds is, how would Apple resolve this issue - in the wake of increased complaints from even loyal iPhone users.

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Discussion Board
(18) Comments
Prithvi
,Pune, on Jul 14, 2010 11:26 PM
Its a super phone but Apple needs to see why there is smoke ... something needs correction. Apple phones aren't known for their call quality (with or without antennae issues). Its a good opportunity for Android phones like Motorola Droid X, Dell Streak. Hopefully the newly announced Microsoft Windows Phone 7 (with Zune capabilities) learns from Apple's experience.
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sai sharan
,mysore, on Aug 23, 2010 12:22 AM
will i be able to use my Apple iphone4 bought at USA work in india. Without any jailbreaks will i be able to use the full functionality of the iphone4 in india.
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Nitin Pandey
,Delhi, on Sep 15, 2010 05:36 PM
You have to get it unlocked in India!
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Nompika Kidiyoo
,mumbai, on Jul 16, 2010 02:07 AM
I think a recall is on the cards. This seems to be a design flaw, if its is i don't think a software patch or an update will be able to fix the issue. But one thing i am disappionted with is the none of the apple people has come in the public to discuss or talk about the issue. Any ways i wish all the luck to I phone 4 users and wish the issue gets fixed ASAP,
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manoj joshi
,mumbai, on Jul 16, 2010 01:51 AM
For what i have heard or researched on the internet the problem can be fixed by a software upgrade if that is true i don't think apple will opt for a total recall. one of the website who claims to have information through apple internal sources says iOS 4.0.1 software fix is in the works and may arrive as by 3rd or 4th week of July 10.
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Shivank
,Delhi, on Jul 14, 2010 11:46 PM
Apple recently said in a letter that they are willing to refund full if undamaged cell is returned within 30 days. However they are also releasing a free update to correct the algorithm in the phone.
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franz kafka
,chattanuga, on Jul 14, 2010 08:20 PM
the fanboys comments are hilarious. or maybe these guys just work at apple. come on now, iphone4 has a big issue, if steve says hold it in your bootiehole you dont have to say it feels good.
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Jongisizwe
,Kimberley, on Jul 14, 2010 05:10 PM
I would like to have one these phones.The nokia apple phone please. Cell No:078 719 0926 Surname:Mkosana
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Joe
,Waterloo, on Jul 14, 2010 04:43 PM
mislead article. as always.
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Bobby
,Bangalore, on Jul 14, 2010 02:00 PM
As usual Techtree blogs on tech fodder.... and that too after this issue has been beaten to death. You need to find new writers.
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DaithÍ
,Dublin, on Jul 14, 2010 04:33 PM
Agree completely!
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DaithÍ
,Dublin, on Jul 14, 2010 04:30 PM
This is poor journalism, if you could even call it that! The article is misleading. As per a press release from Apple a week (or two) ago, there is no (repeat NO) issue with reception on the iPhone 4. It boasts better reception than all previous iPhone models. The issue is with the algorithm used to calculate the number of 'bars' in the reception indicator. A user may have a perfectly clear reception but only be displaying 1-2 bars. A software update from Apple is due to be released to fix this. The fix will work for all iPhone models, as the issue has always been there but only noticed now.
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SAHIL
,LUCKNOW, on Jul 14, 2010 03:57 PM
THIS IS VERY BEAUTIFUL MOBILE. THIS IS MY FEVORITE PHONE BECAUSE HE IS VERY STYLISH PHONE BUT I AM NOT BY YOU BECAUSE HE IS VERY COSTALY PHONE.
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Bob L
,Shelton, CT, on Jul 14, 2010 03:21 PM
Regardless of how I hold my iphone4 it does not lose bars. A friend tried holding my phone and it did lose bars. If I held his phone it did not lose bars but when he holds his phone it does lose bars.
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Anonymous
,s, on Jul 14, 2010 03:11 PM
how could you f it up, can do better at home
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Kiwiiano
,Christchurch NZ, on Jul 14, 2010 03:00 PM
Consumer Reports (and plenty of other reviewers) give iPhone 4 top marks in every area. There is a minor problem, widely acknowledged to easily fixed by a piece of gaffer tape or a neoprene bumper case that most owners will fit anyway, and still people persist in doing a Chicken Little act "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!!" Climategate all over again!!!
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James Quint, Jr
,Winthrop Harbor, IL, on Jul 14, 2010 02:56 PM
Here's an idea, how about a collapsible antenna? What? Crazy huh? I'm sure they could make it slick too.
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Kevin
,Centerport NY, on Jul 14, 2010 02:36 PM
No matter how I hold the phone, no matter how many bars are shown, the phone doesn't seem to drop my calls. We have a DIGITAL phone network! Either you get reception or you don't. This is such a non-issue. How many iPhone owners have ask Apple for a refund? About none.
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