iPhone 3G Issues Persist Despite Latest Firmware

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

While Apple seems to finally have a handle on their MobileMe difficulties, it appears iPhone 3G issues persist despite the most recent firmware updates. The two most notable issues include 3G reception problems and iPhone application crashing.

The issue with 3G connectivity has been previously covered (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/12/some-customers-with-iphone-3g-connection-issues/) and results in some customers experiencing frequently dropped calls. It has been said (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/18/iphone-3g-connectivity-affecting-2-of-customers-software-fix-soon/) that this issue is affecting 2% of iPhone 3G owners and will be fixable with a software update.

Monday's release (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/18/iphone-firmware-2-0-2-released/) of the 2.0.2 iPhone firmware brought some hope to affected users. An Apple spokesperson officially stated (http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20080820/tc_usatoday/appletriestodebugiphone) that the 2.0.2 firmware "improves communication with 3G networks". Despite these fixes, the problem appears to remain for some users. In fact, one woman is now suing Apple (http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/iphone/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210200044) and seeking class action status due to dropped calls and "slower than advertised" speeds:In a 10-page complaint, Jessica Smith alleges that Apple's latest handset is much slower than advertised and is prone to dropping calls. Smith is seeking class-action status as these issues could potentially affect thousands of consumers, she said.The other issue affecting some iPhone users is one where all 3rd party applications fail to launch and audio and video media disappear from the iPhone. While some can recover from this problem with a firmware restore, others are finding they have to take more drastic measures. Arstechnica details (http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2008/08/20/more-on-iphone-app-crashing-how-to-downgrade-itunes) a method in which some users are downgrading to an earlier version of iTunes in order to fix this problem.

Purported emails from Steve Jobs (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/08/19/jobs-fix-for-iphone-apps-crashing-in-september/) have said that Apple is also aware of this problem and will be providing a software update in September to address it.


Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/22/iphone-3g-issues-persist-despite-latest-firmware/)

[Zwhaler]

I don't really have 3G problems, however I do encounter frequent crashes, freezing, etc with 2.0.2.

[pounce]

I won't be able to keep my phone unless reception improves. I've never had so many dropped calls.

[AJ1BostonMASS]

that just sucks for everyone who had a regular iphone w/no problems then go to 3g and have problems

[chuckvvd]

I have now issues with receiving emails. It often needs either a reboot of the iphone or killing the mail app on the iphone + disable/enable flight mode.

I tried a restore but this did not fix the problem. This is a known bug widely mentioned on apple forums but really annoying (I'm a business user).

Working great so far today though...

[DeadBeat]

The 2.0.2 made my reception worse.
Whether the fault lies with Apple (Faulty Phone) or AT&T (Faulty network), THERE IS a big problem with the iPhone & reception!
I have had Apple replace my phone twice, hoping that would solve the problem. I am now on my 3rd iPhone 3G in Los Angeles & the reception has been the same on all 3 phones ~ HORRIBLE!
It is not possible that I have gotten 3 defective phones!
Apple or AT&T or Both need to get there ***** together & make this thing work!
:eek::mad::apple:

[LaMerVipere]

I had the original iPhone and the reception was just fine and audio quality was extremely reliable.

Not so with my iPhone 3G, which has spotty coverage at best. People on the other line often sound distorted or distant, seem to fade in and out, and 3G signal is horrible (I don't think I've ever had more than 2 bars, usually just 1 or "No Service"). I've experienced problems receiving and making calls and SMS with 3G on so I turn it off most of the time. (I'm in Wicker Park in Chicago where the map says I should be fine with 3G coverage).

Sad to say it, but the "iPhone" part of the "iPhone 3G" is great, but the "3G" is just...unacceptable.

I miss my old iPhone and slow (but reliable) EDGE.

Please sort this out Apple.

PS, my father also has an iPhone 3G and is experiencing similar problems

[Rybold]

3G reception works fine for me. I think the people filing that lawsuit need to actually take a look at the coverage maps before they walk into court. I'm sure AT&T will be quick to show up with coverage maps and plenty of amo. Look at all the fine print on the brochures and contracts. Pages and pages of fine print. AT&T definitely knows what they are doing when it comes to legal issues.

[Bakey]

... Does it seem to be our friends in America who are suffering the 3G issues?

I don't recall see any sigs from European users suffering - don't want to sound this one if I'm wrong, but could the issues have "something" to do with 3G being it its infancy over the pond???

Either way, fingers crossed they'll (Apple) will get it sorted pretty soon - bad press is "bad press" and something the boys in San Jose could do without!!

[guet]

I won't be able to keep my phone unless reception improves. I've never had so many dropped calls.

Have you tried turning off 3G? I wonder if that fixes your problem?

Haven't seen any problems with mine (UK, on O2) - best phone I've ever had.

[vandozza]

I don't recall see any sigs from European users suffering

You need to check out the Apple discussions (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1602608&tstart=0), there are many international iPhone users that are having problems.

[Full of Win]

The excessive amount of anecdotal data proffered on MacRumors is killing me!

Mine is cracked, mine is not, I get great reception, I get bad reception, mine crashes, mine does not, I cannot connect to iTunes, I can connect to iTunes, my battery is good, my battery is bad.

I'm going to EXPLODE

[sparkyms]

I (thankfully) have very few issues with reception, in areas I can get a 3G reception I get data speeds upwards of 1MBPS, which is nice. It doesn't randomly drop off to 2G networks when there is a strong signal and I don't drop calls.

It's a shame that this issue does seem to affect a lot of people, and I am extremely glad that I am not one of the unlucky ones.

Hopefully they can also sort out the lags and freezing issues which still prevail even after 2.0.2 soon.

[ChucklesOToole]

Yes EU user here, lots of people in Europe having big problems in different countries and on different networks. The strange thing is everyone's problems seem a little varied. For me I get terrible signal in populated areas where 3g is meant to be strongest, but on the outskirts of the coverage map I get much better reception. Also I noticed holding the phone in your hands brings the number of bars down. If you hold the phone with two fingers by the side the reception usually goes up, looks like its really sensitive. Hope they can fix this..

[dayloon]

UK here - terrible 3G problems. A friend of mine who is also on O2 is right next to me with full 3G reception while my iphone can't pick up anything better than edge. 2.0.2 made no difference

[yorkslad]

The only problem I seem to experience since latest update is my phone freezes and goes dark just after I have finished making a call. Thebphone appears to be dead but comes back after about 30 seconds :-(

[OS X Dude]

Lol only the Americans would sue - we Brits would just moan about it but take no action :D:p

[Macjames]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5A347 Safari/525.20)

I'm in the uk and I have no 3g reception problems outside I always have full bars but as soon as I walk into a building it drops to edge. That's my only complaint, no freezes or app crashes.

[mkwilson68]

In the UK, on O2. Reception on the iphone 3g is totally, utterly useless. Mine is almost permanently switched off - otherwise, i can rarely make calls and regularly have calls route directly to voicemail.

This is NOTHING to do with the networks - the device itself is faulty. I have 15 friends and colleagues with the 3g iphone here in the UK and every single one of them has the same connectivity issues. And we live in the three largest cities in the country. This 2% figure is complete rubbish - pure PR spin.

Where I'm sitting *right now* is in one of O2's highest performing 3g areas and I am 6 feet from the window. My iphone switched onto 3g shows 'no service' or occasionally 1 bar, and all calls go straight to voicemail. My pal on the next desk has a Nokia N95, on O2, and he has a full signal, can make and receive calls normally, and does not drop calls ever.

Switching off 3g gives me a full signal. BUT I have also been getting *lots* of people complain about the call quality when I'm on the phone to them too. "Are you underwater?" is the question I was asked just a few minutes ago.

There really are some very, very serious flaws here and Apple needs to sort them out fast. To be in 2008 with a phone that performs this badly is just embarrassing. I have not had a phone perform this badly with normal calls for about 10 years.

Oh, and for all those saying 'take it back'... it's really not that simple. I transferred my number from Vodafone to O2 so taking the phone back means a massive upheaval. Apple knows this, which I'm sure is why it's taking its sweet time sorting it out. If this was a Mac, I'd have taken it back straight away, but phones are a different problem. I could get a different device of course, but this one actually syncs with my mac properly, so it's not really a case of swapping for something with equivalent functionality either.

Grrrr.

[achtung!]

you should never buy the first rev of any apple product! never! that's the real problem! but people don't learn! :p

[jamespa66]

Lol only the Americans would sue - we Brits would just moan about it but take no action :D:p

Sounds more like how the French would act then you Brits. Or is that only when dealing in world politics? Sorry couldn't resist :rolleyes:

Jim

[David2070]

I'm in the UK on O2 and since installing 2.0.2 I am having problems with 3G. Prior to 2.0.2, 3G worked perfectly for me.

With 3G turned on, I am frequently getting a "No Service" message in locations where I used to get a full signal. If I reboot the iPhone, I get a signal, but when I try to make or receive calls nothing happens. People calling me get a "Cannot connect..." message.

I've now turned 3G off and these problems have disappeared. I'll be waiting until the next firmware release before turning 3G back on again.

[FullGaz]

you should never buy the first rev of any apple product! never! that's the real problem! but people don't learn! :p

Apple products are still perceived as exclusive luxury products: expensive but high quality. As of late, Apple has mainly delivered on the first part, leaving the quality aspects of their products for subsequent revisions. That goes for the iPhone, for the MBP and for OS X. In fact, in these very forums, there are more than 300 threads complaining about serious quality control issues.

Apple are trying to expend their markets but it is to the detriment of their image. The new iPhone is cheaper therefore allowing more people to get exposure to even more Apple products. That's a good thing in theory, but not if users are being served second grade devices and buggy software.

[netdog]

UK here. Dismal 3G reception at home where other phones get a stronger signal. 2.0.2 provided no relief from this and the phone lags MORE now. Its lag wasn't bad with 2.0.1 (and terrible with 2.0).

[bmk]

you should never buy the first rev of any apple product! never! that's the real problem! but people don't learn! :p

If no one ever bought the first rev, there'd never be a second...

[princealfie]

Apple aren't luxury product in the art world field; in fact, they are seen to be a necessity honestly in this business.

[goormart]

I have difficulties in the Netherlands. 3G reception is pretty bad. Hope they fix it soon.

[shadowmatt]

In in the UK on O2, in Manchester.

City centre 5 bars and very fast downloads. In my house 2 bars and fast downloads. Only swaps to edge when in a non 3G area but with the BTOpenworld and The Cloud providing free wifi I pretty much get good coverage everywhere. See stats (http://www.testmyiphone.com/sig?key=f2169Jg3487R)

Going on this, I either have a special 3g iPhone that works better than everybody else's or it is a network related problem. 3G coverage probably isnt the greatest is a lot of places, especially in America. O2 needs to do a lot of work upgrading or providing extra capacity. My thoughts it that there are a lot of 3G phones taking part of the signal leaving everybody else with less bars.

[giusva]

Hi, I'm in Italy and my 3G issue doesn't concern problems with dropped calls, but weakness of signal.
Here all the four operators have a good 3g network and one of them operates only in W-CDMA.

I noticed that in all the places where I have full EDGE signal, if I switch in 3G the indicator drops to 1-2 bars. Apple Italia asks me to wait some days because they are trying to solve the problem (before they recall to my phone).

[bobbleheadbob]

Yeah, I'm still having the problems, too. Had another call drop in the middle of Boston yesterday. Hardly a rural spot where you'd expect connectivity problems. :( My bigger issue though is with is mail and other apps crashing and freezing. Seems like I still need to do a reboot once or twice a day to get it to work again. :( :(

It's frustrating, but I'm trying to wait patiently and expecting a better "fix" soon. :o

[Roller]

you should never buy the first rev of any apple product! never! that's the real problem! but people don't learn! :p

I did buy rev 1 of the iPhone, and I'm glad I held onto it. It's the second rev that I'm glad I didn't get.

[jonnyb]

I miss my old iPhone and slow (but reliable) EDGE.



The problems are unacceptable but you do know you can turn 3G off, effectively turning your phone into an EDGE only phone again, right?

Of course, I know you shouldn't have to do this, but if it's EDGE reliability you need just turn 3G off for now.

[simulacra]

My UMTS reception has actually improved since 2.0.2, but the lag in contacts is still around, aswell as when writing text messages...

[David2070]

The problems are unacceptable but you do know you can turn 3G off, effectively turning your phone into an EDGE only phone again, right?

Of course, I know you shouldn't have to do this, but if it's EDGE reliability you need just turn 3G off for now.

Yep, that's what I've done and all my connectivity problems seem to have gone away.

[needthephone]

I don't really have 3g issues as I'm on three in australia but I do get freezes with safari, it just locks and I have to reboot. I also can't play the iPod and use safari reliably as more often than not it crashes.

Ps if jobs is aware I just hope some heads will roll at apple as I love apple and what they stand for but the iphone3g is too buggy and fast eroding apples users good will and loyalty

I still love my iPhone though and it's just an immature product and early adopters always get the crap

[Padraig]

Apple products are still perceived as exclusive luxury products: expensive but high quality. As of late, Apple has mainly delivered on the first part, leaving the quality aspects of their products for subsequent revisions. That goes for the iPhone, for the MBP and for OS X. In fact, in these very forums, there are more than 300 threads complaining about serious quality control issues.



I doubt many people would regard Apple as an exclusive luxury product maker. For example, compare the cost of an iphone to even the cheapest Vertu handset.

[David2070]

I don't really have 3g issues as I'm on three in australia but I do get freezes with safari, it just locks and I have to reboot. I also can't play the iPod and use safari reliably as more often than not it crashes.

I still love my iPhone though and it's just an immature product and early adopters always get the crap

It seems like there are all sorts of problems out there still.

I have absolutely no problems with apps crashing, Safari has never frozen, MobileMe synching works, however I am getting the dropped call issues.

It seems to me that there are definitely different styles of problems with the iPhone and not just one problem/solution.

However, saying all of that, I still love my iPhone.

[michaelsviews]

I spoke with an AT&T business rep yesterday and he said the the BB Bold is having the same exact problems and its related to the Infineon chip set is what there being told. However iPhone sales are still going on and some people canceled there acct s but most are just waiting for Apple to release an update to fix the problem. The latest release he said , that people are still having dropped calls which is obvious from the reports and that some say its better.

Personally I am waiting to see the Android come out and where that goes down the road.. And Apple is releasing the iphone in another 20 countries and still has NOT fixed the broken firmware here in the states, now thats Quality Control for you. :eek:

[bigmc6000]

"The other issue affecting some iPhone users is one where all 3rd party applications fail to launch and audio and video media disappear from the iPhone."

I sure as heck hope they don't wait until September to fix a bug that's making the iPhone nothing more than a phone. They need to pay those guys 1.5x OT and have them work as many hours as they possibly can to fix that. I'd be more concerned with this bug than the 3G one - at least with the 3G bug you can just turn 3G off and everything works fine...

[irishgrizzly]

As Apple gets more and more market share, quality is going to dip. It happens in every sector – fashion, food etc. It's a shame but can't be helped.

[phatcat]

2G iPhone

New problems w/ 2.0.2 that never happened prior to upgrade:

1) Random popup w/ warning message - "Cannot connect to Edge data network"
2) Slow Pandora loading.

Looks like Edge got crippled. 2.0.1 was far better. Did not notice any improvements either.

[bigmc6000]

Yeah, I'm still having the problems, too. Had another call drop in the middle of Boston yesterday. Hardly a rural spot where you'd expect connectivity problems. :( My bigger issue though is with is mail and other apps crashing and freezing. Seems like I still need to do a reboot once or twice a day to get it to work again. :( :(

It's frustrating, but I'm trying to wait patiently and expecting a better "fix" soon. :o

I know it sucks to "go back to the stone-age" but if the call drop problem bugs you that much just turn the 3G off.

Also, I wonder if someone sues Apple can Apple then just pass the buck to Infineon since it's their POS that's causing the problem?

[OllyW]

I've only had problems with 3G since the 2.0.2 update.

Web browsing on 3G is now really slow and I can't even send any email, even with 3 or 4 bars showing.

It worked great on 2.0.0 & 2.0.1 :confused:

[kresh]

I really hate the fact that Dr. Kim quit his practice to be active full time with MacRumors. It is old rehashed news like this, that is just to generate clicks, that turns me off. The problems are well known, Steve's comments were well disseminated, we're still waiting. Nothing new here, just a blatant attempt to generate income on behalf of an ex-doctor.

Did the world really need this? I can't believe Arn wasted a slot in medical school that someone else could have used to benefit mankind just to money grub on the web.

Arn, you can delete my account, I won't be back. :mad:

[Dembo]

In Germany and no 3G problems whatsoever. I did notice, however, that the bars drop pretty drastic when moving indoors but call quality and download speeds remain just fine.

On word of warning though regarding the "comparing the number of bars approach": Keep in mind that there is no accepted standard that relates bars to actual mW received (and Watts might not even be suitable to measure something abstract like "signal strength" I guess signal-to-noise ratios and additional information needs to be taken into account).

I vaguely remember that in the old days Nokias where known to show an inflated number of bars even when the reception was close to zero.

Maybe the best proxy available for us ordinary users would be download speeds but those probably depend to much on the handset used...

Cheers,
Dembo

[dam0dred]

I live in Toronto and Fido's 3G network here has been totally flawless for me. No complaints at all.

I could do with less app crashes though!!

[HelpMeSwitch]

http://helpmeswitch-pctomac.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-fix-itouchiphone-app-store.html

There is another way to get the app store applications back up and running without having to fool around with iTunes OR do a restore. This video shows how. Hope this helps folks. Although the 2.0 framework was used for the video, this works for 2.0.1 and the 2.0.2 firmware, too.

[thomasfxlt]

I have an issue that has affected me since 2.0.1. Both my and my wifes iPhone 3g will not lock my actual position with the gps. We're in Minnesota but the cell towers think we're in Wichita Kansas and the GPS never finds us. It's like the assist is giving the unit a bad start and never hands it off to the GPS or the GPS can't get a lock. I've tried everything starting with a simple reset to a full restore(like it's a new phone). I've turned off 3g and tried, I've turned off everything imagineable. I've got lots of apps on my phone, but my wife has almost none and they both do the same thing. This seems like a combo issue between Apple and ATT. Why is the phone getting Wichita KS from the local towers? Sounds like bad router programming and why can't the iPhone get a lock without a good assist? Sounds like software. I'm reasonably patient and don't need the GPS, but I paid for it and I expect it to work soon.

[OS X Dude]

Sounds more like how the French would act then you Brits. Or is that only when dealing in world politics? Sorry couldn't resist :rolleyes:

Jim

We help countries in need! Iraq! Err..... Madeupistan! :p

We are a great nation of moaners - there was a programme on not long ago about how the british moan about everything but don't do anything about it - we just take it. Very funny it was too.

Oh yes, iPhone 3G. I just dissuaded my friend from getting one because of the pish poor 3G connection (not that we have 3G coverage much in Derby).

[Otaviano]

I'm happy with my trusty hacked and unlocked EDGE iPhone. Wish they would make the freaking contacts and SMS applications not lag so much.

[OS X Dude]

As Apple gets more and more market share, quality is going to dip. It happens in every sector – fashion, food etc. It's a shame but can't be helped.

Yep - just look at Leopard. More bugs than Tiger ever had and seems slower too. Boot times especially are longer than I remember. But hey, they're making money, so they probably think "why bother rushing to fix things when we still get a silly smount of money - just release new stuff to wow people".

Shame really. I installed YDL on my eMac G4 and that feels way snappier than Leopard on my C2D MacBook.

[MimChe]

http://helpmeswitch-pctomac.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-fix-itouchiphone-app-store.html

There is another way to get the app store applications back up and running without having to fool around with iTunes OR do a restore. This video shows how. Hope this helps folks. Although the 2.0 framework was used for the video, this works for 2.0.1 and the 2.0.2 firmware, too.

Hysterical. Loved when the store wouldn't load. Made my morning, thanks.

[ryanwarsaw]

Lol only the Americans would sue - we Brits would just moan about it but take no action :D:p

Thankfully Americans sue so the problem will perhaps get fixed.

[noumix]

I live in Paris (Orange network), and I've also problem with 3G.
It often switch from 3G to Edge or to No Network. I've also some dropped calls.
I have also the same issue than ChucklesOToole: holding the phone in my hand decreased the number of reception bars :confused:

[tobyx]

Absolutely no 3G trouble in Berlin with T-Mobile official iPhone 3G.
It's completely related to the network me thinks.

[igazza]

it just works?:confused:
ive restored my iphone 6 times since launch
my phone still suffers from lag in 2.0.2 :mad:
reception bars are low but only dropped one call

Also my mute button is broken

the iphone is the worst apple product ive had :(

[achtung!]

I did buy rev 1 of the iPhone, and I'm glad I held onto it. It's the second rev that I'm glad I didn't get.

the probs are mostly with 3g network. iphone 3g is still rev 1. so...

[crees!]

I haven't noticed any obvious changes in service for me. My area is saturated in 3G coverage but varies widely where I'm at.

Plus, ever since this last update I'm getting A LOT of errors when updating apps over-the-air. They all say to finish downloading using iTunes and when I sync I get sync errors for that particular app. The partial solution is to delete that app then reinstall it. This does not work every time though.

[Ted13]

I have the 1st gen. Edge phone, and lately there are days when the network is slow to not working in Manhattan's financial district. Clearly this is in no way a phone problem -- go elsewhere it works just fine.

I think that 1) AT&T did not anticipate iPhone popularity and data use levels in big cities.

2) Since Edge is getting clobbered as well, this may be data backhaul issue -- it's not (necessarily) reception, it's their network backend being saturated.

3) Hopefully they will RAPIDLY improve their network capacity.

4) It is easy to blame AT&T, but I bet Verizon's vaunted EVDO network would be on its knees as well had they seen the influx of several million HEAVY data users in a matter of weeks. The iPhone is basically the ONLY phone that gets used for heavy duty web browsing. Yes, Apple is to blame for going with a single US carrier, but so is Verizon who lets not forget rejected the iPhone.

[Fidgetyrat]

Not been a good year for apple reliability..

Makes me very afraid to replace my Rock Solid 6 year old Powerbook for the new MBP due out soon. I have a feeling I won't see the same quality anymore.

I think things were better when Apple's focus was on Computers and not on music players and phones.

[frankfurter]

Lol only the Americans would sue - we Brits would just moan about it but take no action :D:p

Much like the UK does with any world event.....

Regardless - people like this lady who are going to sue represent what's wrong with our society. Sheesh - you don't like how it works? Then return it and go buy something else. Nothing gets to a company more than slow sales.

When it's obvious someone's just trying to make a buck by suing, they should lock 'em up. Damn lady, go get a RAZR and ****.

[patsfan83]

I'm happy with my trusty hacked and unlocked EDGE iPhone. Wish they would make the freaking contacts and SMS applications not lag so much.

I've got a 2G 2.0.2 and it is rock solid right now. No app crashing, SMS pops up in 2s, contacts are able to be scrolled in 2s upon launch.

[daneoni]

you should never buy the first rev of any apple product! never! that's the real problem! but people don't learn! :p

Technically this is the second rev isnt it?...the second model of the iPhone. So it should be better whereas the original iPhone seems to be the one with fewer issues.

Anyhow, i've been somewhat pleasantly surprised with my 2G phone running 2.0.2. I dont have SMS/Contact/Keyboard lags and its been a day plus change now. No App crashing, signal is as full as ever, locate me got more accurate...things generally just respond. Granted there's still that occasional lethargic feel to the OS like its thinking before responding but this is rare and things usually just work which was a far cry from 2.0. Go figure

I really hate the fact that Dr. Kim quit his practice to be active full time with MacRumors. It is old rehashed news like this, that is just to generate clicks, that turns me off. The problems are well known, Steve's comments were well disseminated, we're still waiting. Nothing new here, just a blatant attempt to generate income on behalf of an ex-doctor.

Did the world really need this? I can't believe Arn wasted a slot in medical school that someone else could have used to benefit mankind just to money grub on the web.

Arn, you can delete my account, I won't be back. :mad:

How do you REALLY feel about it :rolleyes:

[SB27]

I hate to say it, but the same thing happened in San Mateo, CA yesterday. The phone was so-so in terms of dropped calls. After the 2.0.2 upgrade yesterday? It is a call dropping machine -- simply unreal. The s/w fix cannot come soon enough.

The 2.0.2 made my reception worse.
Whether the fault lies with Apple (Faulty Phone) or AT&T (Faulty network), THERE IS a big problem with the iPhone & reception!
I have had Apple replace my phone twice, hoping that would solve the problem. I am now on my 3rd iPhone 3G in Los Angeles & the reception has been the same on all 3 phones ~ HORRIBLE!
It is not possible that I have gotten 3 defective phones!
Apple or AT&T or Both need to get there ***** together & make this thing work!
:eek::mad::apple:

[AidenShaw]

Also, I wonder if someone sues Apple can Apple then just pass the buck to Infineon since it's their POS that's causing the problem?

The suit would stay with Apple regardless, since Apple made the claims in its advertisements and sold the phone to the consumer.

If Infineon's chip is defective, then Apple can see if its contract with Infineon offers a way to recover damages.

[Stately]

that just sucks for everyone who had a regular iphone w/no problems then go to 3g and have problems


Exactly. I miss my original iphone but had to retire it due to the fact that I basically destroyed it by accident. Now I'm suffering with this 3g thing. I wish they would've kept the original form factor too. :cool:

[myAIR]

I have actually noticed that my iPhone 3G service stays connected longer after the 2.0.2 update, even when I am inside my house, in which I used to only get the EDGE connection.

[jonnyb]

Much like the UK does with any world event.....


Yawn. Can we quit it with the self-flagellation? The reason it's more difficult for Brits to sue in these circumstances is that our legal system doesn't entertain the concept of the 'class-action' lawsuit. Therefore very few individuals are prepared to take the on the risk, and therefore the cost, of a suit.

[jazzfiend4]

I'm one of the lucky few that the update actually made my signal worse. i used to get 3 bars in my house, then update came and i only get one or none. And im not sure if it has anything to do with it, but the gps reacts slower now as well. On top of that the the transition from landscape to portrait is slow as molasas now.

[Jstick]

no more keyboard lag w/ 2.0.2, but 3G is actually worse for me. Like others have said, I know get "no service" where I had 1 3g bar before.....what a disaster by apple.

[RogueWarrior65]

Somebody should tell this stupid twit that the ONLY thing a class-action lawsuit will accomplish is making the effing lawyers rich. They'll get millions of dollars and we'll end up with expiring coupons for discounts to iPhone accessories, most of which we'll already own. Oh, and by the time the suit is settled, the iPhone 4G will be out and won't be compatible with said accessories.

I hate it when morons pull the class-action lawsuit trigger instead of having a rational discussion and giving Apple some time to fix the problem. Oh and let's not forget the AT&T could be part of the problem here. I'll bet that they didn't anticipate the spike in demand for 3G resources caused by tens of thousands of iPhones suddenly coming online, surfing the web, downloading YouTube videos and doing lots of other high-bandwidth stuff.

A pox on you, Jessica Smith! Next time, remove head from sphincter then speak.

[born4sky]

What else can I say, I hope iPhone 3rd Generation will be without problems

[Stile]

I've essentially given up on 3G and turned it off. There's definitely something wrong with the phone, as other's have stated as well, someone in my office has a data card and he gets 3G reception where my iPhone gets "No Service". I suspect this won't be able to be fixed by software, but I'm hoping it can. Would be bad for Apple to have to recall several million phones.

[quigleybc]

NorthWest Canada (BC)

Reception on 3G has been great (thank god)

Full bars all the time.

my only issue has been the apps crashing, which was fixed (so far) with the new firmware.


Man, i'm so glad i can my phone is a good PHONE....all this talk of dropped calls is scary..

i feel for you guys big time....uggh
:(

[tlapple]

Somebody should tell this stupid twit that the ONLY thing a class-action lawsuit will accomplish is making the effing lawyers rich. They'll get millions of dollars and we'll end up with expiring coupons for discounts to iPhone accessories, most of which we'll already own. Oh, and by the time the suit is settled, the iPhone 4G will be out and won't be compatible with said accessories.

I hate it when morons pull the class-action lawsuit trigger instead of having a rational discussion and giving Apple some time to fix the problem. Oh and let's not forget the AT&T could be part of the problem here. I'll bet that they didn't anticipate the spike in demand for 3G resources caused by tens of thousands of iPhones suddenly coming online, surfing the web, downloading YouTube videos and doing lots of other high-bandwidth stuff.

A pox on you, Jessica Smith! Next time, remove head from sphincter then speak.

While I'll be the first to agree that this lawsuit may have been filed a bit prematurely, you're completely wrong in stating that it won't accomplish anything. From a consumer standpoint, class action lawsuits are extremely effective in putting pressure on a company when you have a potentially defective product. The threat of litigation and the bad press alone does well to force a company to deal with an issue it has been avoiding. Apple did not help its own cause by keeping silent, denying, and pointing the finger for so long before they actually acknowledged the issue and said they were working on a fix.

It doesn't matter if AT&T could be part of the problem here. If they are, then Apple will try to bring them in as a third-party defendant if the lawsuit even gets to that stage. She's trying to represent an entire class of iPhone 3G owners with problem phones -- this is not contained to the U.S. It was Apple who delivered their product to end-users and the product carries with it both express and implied warranties.

I don't know why people with working phones who oppose the lawsuit are so vehement and angry about this. Total blind loyalty since none of us know whether there really is a hardware defect. If there is, the lawsuit may have merit. At the very least, it will spurn a more thorough investigation into this problem. It protects the consumers, holds companies accountable, and improves future quality control measures -- the end result being that it benefits you -- because somewhere down the line you will receive a product that has issues and it will be your turn to complain. Don't be so short sighted.

If there's no teeth to the arguments in the complaint, then it'll get dismissed. Simple as that. As far as coming to the aid of Apple, they're doing just fine I assure you. Their high-powered, world-class attorneys and PR machines do a great job at defending them without your help.

[juice831]

my phone indicates 5 bars but within a phone call it sounds like i have no bars

[thworple]

I was a bit shocked when I started to learn of all these '3G coverage problems' being posted on here, as I have to honestly say that I've had no problems with coverage whatsoever since I took over my new iPhone 3G - in-fact I've found it to be better and more reliable than my original iPhone was, which had to be switched on and off in order to restore signal on occasions.

I travel up to London from Sussex on the train each and every day, and regularly browse Safari on the journey up, and aside from the obvious black-spots on route (the tunnels!!) I've found the 3G coverage good, and the switching to Edge, at times when there is no 3G, has been seamless. Phone-calls have also been equally as reliable in this situation.

However - one thing I can concur is that it is a lot slower and more buggy than my original iPhone was on 1.** software. Indeed my friends who still have their EDGE iPhone's all say the same thing about theirs being slow since the upgrade to 2.**.

Whilst the .02 upgrade improved things, I still have issues with Contacts, and the iPod dropping out on occasions, and Safari crashing randomly.

[PBz]

glad I stuck with my v1 iPhone.

I just want to be able to use a .me Alias address as my From address ON my iPhone.....without having to create IMAP accounts and workaround BS.

TC

[PBz]

Not been a good year for apple reliability..

Makes me very afraid to replace my Rock Solid 6 year old Powerbook for the new MBP due out soon. I have a feeling I won't see the same quality anymore.

I think things were better when Apple's focus was on Computers and not on music players and phones.

I am in the same boat as you with the MPB. I want to buy one but don't trust what I will get right now.

[garty]

Sounds more like how the French would act then you Brits. Or is that only when dealing in world politics? Sorry couldn't resist :rolleyes:

Jim

Merde :rolleyes:

[MacTheSpoon]

Does this app crashing/media erasing thing only affect iPhone 3Gs? Or is it just affecting a small percentage of people? I'm on a 2.5G iPhone and have not experienced it.

Anway, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the 2.1 update will fix the problems that some people are having.

[jazzmonk]

3G coverage in monterey seems just fine... it's mobileme that is not working for love or money... everytime I boot my main desktop I get an error message... the desktop is a pc because it has to be to run financial software for my work... mobileme is a joke

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

Haha... after reading the tantrums people have been throwing in Apple forums, I've adopted a policy we used to encourage at CISCO -- if it works, leave it alone [if your router does its job, and you don't need new features, don't apply any updates]. I've been upgrading my iPhone, but the 7.7.1 iTunes update is still sitting there in my Software Update queue. I've encountered the grief of long backups and I thought about upgrading, but after this, I'm going to hold off until the September update.

Funny thing about that backup issue... my backups used to go quite fast (maybe six minutes or so at most) until my iPhone crashed while installing... uh... some goofy Tip Calculator. It was my fault. I knew better than to start browsing the App Store again during installation. That's just tempting fate. Unlike some folks, my iPhone did restart again properly (took a while) but the next time I backed it up it took a long long time. So now I imagine the people complaining about this issue are experiencing a bug -- not the iPhone norm. I'm not too keen on the idea of restoring as NetShare isn't actually listed in iTunes. I probably won't keep it after the process.

Aside from that, though, my iPhone always works wonderfully. My reception has been on par or with or better than any other phone I've owned. Same applies for every single other iPhone owner I know (though most of them don't go as crazy with the apps as people in these forums probably do). Maybe some of us are just encountering bugs because we're power users? Who knows.

I do believe the 2% statement Apple made.

[lauren7]

I just joined the forums but I have been an avid reader for quite awhile now. I was pretty convinced that the 2.0.2 update wasn't 3G related until I got to work and suddenly had full 3G bars, where before I had no 3G service at all.

However, I am now constantly dropping calls. Calls drop not only at work, but at home, where 3G wasn't a problem before. I didn't really have any problems with dropped calls before 2.0.2. I've read about people who have better 3G service and others who have more dropped calls but is anyone else experiencing both?

I guess I'm going to turn 3G off until the next update. So much for 3G at work now. Feels like we can't win...

Edit: Also, MobileMe push doesn't seem to be working anymore. It seems to only be pulling when I open mail app.

[MacRumors0108]

The problems since 2.0 are not just with the 3G phone. I have an old school iPhone and am experiencing the same issues with apps crashing, purchased media not playing and email not syncing properly.

I loaded up all nine screens with apps when the store launched, but have deleted all but a few as they stopped launching after a few days. Syncing and restoring was taking HOURS and now my email doesn't sync properly.

I WAS a happy iPhone user before 2.0, but cannot recommend the device (which I did often and enthusiastically) until these issues are solved. I have also put off buying the 3G until the 3G connectivity issues are worked out. I have also stopped purchasing new applications. If this is how new product launches are going to be, it's time to start shorting the stock. Are you listening Apple?

[dcdttu]

3G reception works fine for me. I think the people filing that lawsuit need to actually take a look at the coverage maps before they walk into court. I'm sure AT&T will be quick to show up with coverage maps and plenty of amo. Look at all the fine print on the brochures and contracts. Pages and pages of fine print. AT&T definitely knows what they are doing when it comes to legal issues.

How does the coverage in downtown Austin work for you? Is that 3G enough on AT&T's map? I get 1 bar there, if not on 2G because my phone can't find a signal. My friend's Samsung had full 3G next to my phone just last night. Same spot.

This is not a coverage issue. Ask people in downtown Chicago, San Francisco, Manhattan and Austin.

[wizical]

alright, I have read most of the rumors about the iPhone 3G and seeing what everyone is complaining about, and here is what i have to say

1) It seems that everyone wants the iPhone to be this perfect device that will do anything for you(and in most aspects it can) but it is still an electronic device, just like anything else. So it has its bugs and quirks, apple will workout the issues and everything will be fine.

2) IT is a CELL phone, when has cell phone reception ever been that great. I had a blackjack II that had 3G and that barely worked when I needed it. I have noticed it can switch from edge to 3G, at times i believe the service isnt available and that is something that we have to deal with. The service coverage isnt going to be there all the time, we cannot expect 5 bars of 3G service all the time, just deal with it. You never complained about your old phone, so dont complain about this

3) As far as the 3rd party apps crashing, it is probably cause most of the apps that have crashed were developed by people that didnt know what they were doing in creating the code.

4) this is still a brand new product, when has there ever been a product that comes out that doesnt have bugs in the software.

5) This woman that wants Class Action Lawsuit has no shot of that ever occuring, what is the point of doing this. The only real winners is the lawyers that make the money from going to court. Instead of doing that, Let apple focus on fixing it and not have to worry about going to court.

Bottom line, this is still a great phone and will be great for many years to come. things will work themselves out

[dcdttu]

you should never buy the first rev of any apple product! never! that's the real problem! but people don't learn! :p

I didn't, I bought the 2nd Generation iPhone. The iPhone 3G

(I didn't buy the original iPhone, which would be the first rev)

It's like saying don't buy an iMac because they added 802.11n to the wireless protocol, making it a 1st Rev even though there's been previous versions....

[jazzmonk]

I might just go back to what I know will work... day in and day out the Blackberry's I've used for years have be virtually painless.... the internet experience sux and the apps are so so (i mean---non-existent)... man is there an opportunity here or what?... will apple get this iPhone to deliver? It needs more processing power as well... speed is everything.

[Rotary8]

I've been in the very same spot working for 3 hours. didn't move at all and I saw this on my iPhone 3G: Edge, 3G, No internet but voice service available, Edge, Reboot Phone and 3G is back. Reception bars remain consistent though, i give it that.

[mattmor36]

Shortly after updating my firmware to 2.02 on my iPhone 3g, it crashed and acted like it was going to restart. Since then however, it has been stuck on the start screen with the Apple logo, and will not continue through the start up process. I have tried resetting it numerous times, but it just stays stuck on the screen with the apple. I've connected it to iTunes over and over, but it will not detect it in the devices area. I have been on hold forever with Apple support, and have no idea what to do since I can't restore it or anything since it will not be detected in iTunes. What do I do??? I am so pissed off right now because I wasn't having problems before, and now I don't have a working phone. Please give any input if you're able to...thanks.

Matt

[Swift]

Where I work, 3G reception is five bars. As I'm driving home and going to the city, five bars. When I pull into my driveway, three bars. When I'm sitting at my computer, a half a bar. So, I'm suing Apple, instead of AT&T for not building out their 3G network fast enough. Why? Because some turkey wants to blame the handset.

[Romanesq]

I had the original and now the 3G. No way am I going back. I had dropped calls on the 2G and the voice quality wasn't anywhere close to now.

Even though I had three calls drop to Albany, NY over an hour, I don't care.
It's not problematic enough for me to consider changing anything.

Mostly everything else if quite stable and other than the infrequent dropped call, I'll take everything else as it is thank you.

I understand there are people out there having problems. Maybe there is a limitation with this Infineon chipset and the 3G networks. I don't know but it may also be a weakness combined with less than mature 3G networks.

The posters from Germany have a mature 3G network but don't seem to have any issues.

Hopefully Apple can finalize this issue with a software patch. But I'm not complaining. Sympathetic to others but really the 3G network should be evaluated first in the chain. If it is inconsistent that's a problem.

[supmango]

I won't be able to keep my phone unless reception improves. I've never had so many dropped calls.

Turn off 3G unless you are browsing the internet or downloading an application. Edge works fine for phone calls.

[supmango]

Where I work, 3G reception is five bars. As I'm driving home and going to the city, five bars. When I pull into my driveway, three bars. When I'm sitting at my computer, a half a bar. So, I'm suing Apple, instead of AT&T for not building out their 3G network fast enough. Why? Because some turkey wants to blame the handset.

I agree. This is much more likely an ATT issue. They have a history of unreliability and a lack of concern over customer satisfaction. Apple cannot control their partner, which ultimately will hurt Apple to a certain extent.

[mattster16]

Sue for what!? Apple and AT&T give you the opportunity to return the product and switch to a different phone if you aren't happy. If you don't like the phone get a different one..!

People want everything for nothing.

[iP2]

it just works?:confused:
ive restored my iphone 6 times since launch
my phone still suffers from lag in 2.0.2 :mad:
reception bars are low but only dropped one call

Also my mute button is broken

the iphone is the worst apple product ive had :(

And yet you don't return it? I bet many people didn't return it despite all the issues...why is that? If all the complainers returned it, that would be a direct hit to Apple's sales...that will show them how unhappy you are with it.

If I had reception issues with my 3G iPhone, its going back and I'll get a cell phone that works. You'd do that for any product, yet with the iPhone, people want to sue because it doesn't work. It's not like they forced you to have an iPhone...if it sucks return it. 30 days was not enough to figure this out? Please.

[manhattanboy]

I spoke with an AT&T business rep yesterday and he said the the BB Bold is having the same exact problems and its related to the Infineon chip set is what there being told. However iPhone sales are still going on and some people canceled there acct s but most are just waiting for Apple to release an update to fix the problem. The latest release he said , that people are still having dropped calls which is obvious from the reports and that some say its better.

Personally I am waiting to see the Android come out and where that goes down the road.. And Apple is releasing the iphone in another 20 countries and still has NOT fixed the broken firmware here in the states, now thats Quality Control for you. :eek:

I for one am still having problems with calls... > 10% of my calls are dropped.
And some conversations I will have to call that person maybe 5 times during the conversation.
The next time I am actually free I will go to the d*mn apple store and wait in line for 10 hours to get it replaced.
***** Apple, seriously, Apple is wasting so much of my time its ridiculous.

[manhattanboy]

And yet you don't return it? I bet many people didn't return it despite all the issues...why is that? If all the complainers returned it, that would be a direct hit to Apple's sales...that will show them how unhappy you are with it.

If I had reception issues with my 3G iPhone, its going back and I'll get a cell phone that works. You'd do that for any product, yet with the iPhone, people want to sue because it doesn't work. It's not like they forced you to have an iPhone...if it sucks return it. 30 days was not enough to figure this out? Please.

Some of us don't have 10 hours to waste waiting in the excessive long Apple lines.:mad::mad::mad::mad:

[Silentwave]

I had 3G reception issues prior to 2.0.2 as far as failed and dropped calls, but that seems to have disappeared now. Even with low bars, I've found 3G speed to be fantastic. My speed tests on the websites that let you do that have been phenomenal.

For the person who said they missed their old reliable edge iphone, remember if it can't pick up 3G it rolls back automatically to EDGE. You can also have 3G off altogether and you'll have an EDGE iPhone with something like 20-30% longer battery life than the old one.

The woman that's suing is insane. While I can see suing for the reception issues, slower than advertised speeds won't hold up at all. There's undoubtedly tons of legalese in small letters in anything remarking on the speed that says it's subject to network conditions and the like. Clearly some areas are overloaded compared to others. I'm getting way more than 'twice as fast" on 3G here in Miami, but in other places I can see there might be issues.

[manhattanboy]

alright, I have read most of the rumors about the iPhone 3G and seeing what everyone is complaining about, and here is what i have to say

1) It seems that everyone wants the iPhone to be this perfect device that will do anything for you(and in most aspects it can) but it is still an electronic device, just like anything else. So it has its bugs and quirks, apple will workout the issues and everything will be fine.

2) IT is a CELL phone, when has cell phone reception ever been that great. I had a blackjack II that had 3G and that barely worked when I needed it. I have noticed it can switch from edge to 3G, at times i believe the service isnt available and that is something that we have to deal with. The service coverage isnt going to be there all the time, we cannot expect 5 bars of 3G service all the time, just deal with it. You never complained about your old phone, so dont complain about this

3) As far as the 3rd party apps crashing, it is probably cause most of the apps that have crashed were developed by people that didnt know what they were doing in creating the code.

4) this is still a brand new product, when has there ever been a product that comes out that doesnt have bugs in the software.

5) This woman that wants Class Action Lawsuit has no shot of that ever occuring, what is the point of doing this. The only real winners is the lawyers that make the money from going to court. Instead of doing that, Let apple focus on fixing it and not have to worry about going to court.

Bottom line, this is still a great phone and will be great for many years to come. things will work themselves out

We GAVE Apple a chance to get off their lazy *sses and fix this problem with an update 2.02 but WE GOT NOTHING from this update.
I am tired of waiting. I have waited over a month now and still no resolution.
Good Lord someone help us find a solution to this problem

[iP2]

Some of us don't have 10 hours to waste waiting in the excessive long Apple lines.:mad::mad::mad::mad:

10 hours in line to return an iPhone? Where the heck is that? If your iPhone sucks, return it. Even if it took 10 hours (drive time and wait time), you rather complain endlessly and suffer with a crappy product? If it really was an serious issue for someone, I'm surprised (actually shocked) one would not return it. :confused::confused:

Like I said, if my 3G iPhone keeps dropping calls as many claim (legitimate or not), I would return it. I would then go back to my 3G Samsung and go on with life. Glad mine works :)

[iP2]

We GAVE Apple a chance to get off their lazy *sses and fix this problem with an update 2.02 but WE GOT NOTHING from this update.
I am tired of waiting. I have waited over a month now and still no resolution.
Good Lord someone help us find a solution to this problem

And yet as the 30 day return period came up, you chose to keep it. If you been waiting for a fix for 30 days and nothing came about, you should have returned it. And even if it was fixed 2 month later, you can go back and buy another one.

Man, why do many of you put up with the iPhone for over 30 days if its really that bad? Complain this, complain that...dude, return that crappy phone!!

What other product would you do that for w/o returning it? I love Apple too...but if I had half the issues that members here keep getting (especially restoring the phone 6 times a day...WTF?), it would go back in the box with the quickness.

[lawgraphix]

Where I work, 3G reception is five bars. As I'm driving home and going to the city, five bars. When I pull into my driveway, three bars. When I'm sitting at my computer, a half a bar. So, I'm suing Apple, instead of AT&T for not building out their 3G network fast enough. Why? Because some turkey wants to blame the handset.

Yea, that's a good point. Is it the iPhone or our network provider. I get 1-2 bars of 3G at work and it works ok [2.02]. At home i get 0-1 bars... and like last night I walked clear into the streets with no buildings, I couldn't make a call even on EDGE and it showed full bars. I suspect AT&T. Anyway, coming from Verizon, I was pretty frustrated. I still have my Verizon phone+plan.

[franzmueller]

mobile.me is resolved ? nope ... my push calender still doesn't work AT ALL

every 2nd time I go to my mobile.me web calender it tells me there is a problem .

I want my money back :mad: oh wait ... I´ve got a 90 day free non working calender subscription ... well made Apple :(

[8CoreWhore]

The excessive amount of anecdotal data proffered on MacRumors is killing me!

Mine is cracked, mine is not, I get great reception, I get bad reception, mine crashes, mine does not, I cannot connect to iTunes, I can connect to iTunes, my battery is good, my battery is bad.

I'm going to EXPLODE
I'm not going to explode.

[wizical]

We GAVE Apple a chance to get off their lazy *sses and fix this problem with an update 2.02 but WE GOT NOTHING from this update.
I am tired of waiting. I have waited over a month now and still no resolution.
Good Lord someone help us find a solution to this problem

sometimes fixes take longer than a month to fix something, it took adobe 15 months(give or take) to convert the whole line of CS3 to universal. If you have problems with it, return it. I personally dont have any problems with mine. I believe that it is affecting 2 percent of the phones

I have to agree with the fact that maybe that ATT could not handle the influx of iPhones on their network and it is what is causing a big chunk of their problems. I also heard that they are still putting up 3G towers, maybe that is a big chunk of problems for the iphone

[jldreyer]

I too am having issues with the 3G network. So I am forced to keep my phone on Edge network, even after updating to the 2.0.2 software, I still have no service on the 3G network. I have yet to replace my phone, as I do not mind keeping my phone on the Edge side of things, but this is really quite annoying as I bought the phone for the 3G network. It just really is upsetting that living in an area that according to the AT&T coverage map should be fully 3G, there is no 3G service. Apple and AT&T better fix this soon.:mad:

[aristotle]

Vandozza, you obviously are ignoring all of the Canadian and UK people on here that even bothered to report that they do not have problems.

I notice variations in speed depending on the time of day which I attribute to the usage of the network during those times. At first, I also thought that 2.0.2 was slowing down my data but I was able to get 2.24Mbps last night around 11pm here on the west coast of Canada in my house.

I'm sorry to hear that a few aussies and danes are having problems in rural areas or in areas with a lot of interference from other RF signals but the majority of people having issues are on the AT&T network.

The reason you do not see more people posting positive results is because they have no reason to and the vast majority of iPhone users out there that have no problems would not frequent boards like these in the first place.

I my case, all of the intermittent issues that I've had since launch (besides app crashes) I would attribute to network saturation or meteorological phenomenon.

I would say that 2.0.2 is much more stable and I have yet to have an app crash be it third-party or built in. I also noticed that GPS lock in happens within seconds now most of the time and accuracy has improved.

[GotPro]

2.0.2 is HORRIBLE for me.

3G is MUCH worse... now it's like I can't even use it most of the time...

AND... now I can only check my email ONCE... I have 4 accounts... and after the initial check (or two or three)... I have to REBOOT THE PHONE in order to get any more mail... it just goes into a "connecting" status for HOURS draining the battery.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :mad:

Oh, and 2.0.2 HAS seemed to help apps crashing... I only have had 2 or 3 apps crash on my since the update... I used to have multiple crashes every day until a reboot.

Of course, I have 5 screens of apps...

And the stupid 2 hour backup just to sync a freakin' photo is ********!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[137489]

I will admit, I do not follow all the iphone news, as I do not have one. And I am locked into sprint. But I found someting a little interesting:

Verizon started 3G technology in 2002. I wonder if the problem is not apple, but just a problem with the AT&T network (or maybe both combined).

https://forums.microsoft.com/WindowsMobile/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=3639822&SiteID=65

If you are too lazy to go to the link, here is the text:

Posted July 20, 2008
Hi all,

I hope somebody can really help me with this. I have a Asus P750 unlock phone which is a taiwan version. Basically, everything is fine except I can only connect to EDGE but not 3G. I am currently using a AT&T network. The connection setting wizard do not have anything for North America. So I manually setup the GPRS internet connection. Everywhere i go, i can only detect a EDGE network. And when i set the phone to connect to 3G network ONLY. it just appear like the network is dead. But all my friends can connect to 3G when they are next to me.

Please help! and thanks in advance.

========================================
Another post:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-349237.html

===============================================
New Zealand's vodafone had issues in 2005 with their first launch of 3G

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NZB/is_9_7/ai_n15753793

=======================================================

2007 - Russia and South Korea 3g network problems

http://www.3gnewsroom.com/3g_news/2007/oct/news_7750.shtml

the above is just 5 minutes of Googling. I think we see a pattern of any company launching 3g runs into problems. With the possible chip problem in the iphone and the iphone market being so huge an new, I think most the hype is focused on Apple. From reading the above, I think there may have had a small run (small is a vauge number depending how many were put out in that run) of bad iphones coupled with AT&T's 3g launch pains.

I don't want to start any more ranting or 100's rebuttle posts, but just something for you all to think about. if it is any consolation my sprint Palm Centro never drops a call, but sometimes data transmission is slow. Not sure what network Sprint is on off hand.

[twoodcc]

well, maybe i am a lucky one who doesn't have all these issues. sure, my phone messes up sometimes, but not to the point where i have to restore or anything

[savanahrose]

3G reception works fine for me. I think the people filing that lawsuit need to actually take a look at the coverage maps before they walk into court. I'm sure AT&T will be quick to show up with coverage maps and plenty of amo. Look at all the fine print on the brochures and contracts. Pages and pages of fine print. AT&T definitely knows what they are doing when it comes to legal issues.


I believe you might be able to do it by address too. I just tried it and according to the map, I don't get 3G but ATT store says that I do. So I guess it isn't updated yet.

[137489]

I was doing a search on RF blocking 3g and came across this. With all the complaints about cell phones in doctor's buildings, people driving on cell phones, and churches that have implemented this technology due to cellphones going off during services. I wonder.. I just wonder, with all the complaints being focused around large cities.

I just wonder, Has companies started getting their hands on these???

http://www.ymcorp.co.kr/cellularphone-jammer.htm

*** Cellular phone Jammer (Mobile phone immobilizer, Disabler) ***
(Block : all kinds of cellular phone -NEXTEL, CDMA/AMPS/TDMA/NMTP, Etacs, GSM900
GSM1800/DCS, DECT, PHS, W-CDMA, PCS/TACS, 3G (UMTS,CDMA2000), GPS, WIFI (1.2/2.4Ghz)---(No more suffering!!! )

- Handheld (Portable) Size and Aluminium Case
Portable Size with Aluminium Case and using only car battery for power


there is even an outdoor antenna type that will block up to one kilometer (or 1/2 mile)

Block band : Nextel/800/900/1800/1900/3G (UMTS, CDMA2000)
Block range per each band : angle 120, directional Yagi block area : 300m~ 1KM -cellphone signal is under -70db in place )
option : angle 360, omni directional antenna , within radius 150m-500m or more-cellphone signal is under -70db in place )


This would be one heck of a college prank. also the Israeli government sells cellphone jammers.

[137489]

I was doing a search on RF blocking 3g and came across this. With all the complaints about cell phones in doctor's buildings, people driving on cell phones, and churches that have implemented this technology due to cellphones going off during services. I wonder.. I just wonder, with all the complaints being focused around large cities.

I just wonder, Has companies started getting their hands on these???

http://www.ymcorp.co.kr/cellularphone-jammer.htm

*** Cellular phone Jammer (Mobile phone immobilizer, Disabler) ***
(Block : all kinds of cellular phone -NEXTEL, CDMA/AMPS/TDMA/NMTP, Etacs, GSM900
GSM1800/DCS, DECT, PHS, W-CDMA, PCS/TACS, 3G (UMTS,CDMA2000), GPS, WIFI (1.2/2.4Ghz)---(No more suffering!!! )

- Handheld (Portable) Size and Aluminium Case
Portable Size with Aluminium Case and using only car battery for power


there is even an outdoor antenna type that will block up to one kilometer (or 1/2 mile)

Block band : Nextel/800/900/1800/1900/3G (UMTS, CDMA2000)
Block range per each band : angle 120, directional Yagi block area : 300m~ 1KM -cellphone signal is under -70db in place )
option : angle 360, omni directional antenna , within radius 150m-500m or more-cellphone signal is under -70db in place )


This would be one heck of a college prank. also the Israeli government sells cellphone jammers.

Ok, maybe I made a lighthearted joke with this last post. However with all the terrorism threats and security and the concern of using Cell phones as detonators. I some how would not be surprised if this technology was being implemented. With the world heading the way it is, I would not be surprised at all if governments (US, City, State, Local) started looking at this to boost its security.

Why is it large cities and not all parts are effected? Just something more to think about.


Ok, time for me to get back to work.....

[APJessicaMintz]

Folks,

I'm a reporter at the AP. I've just started writing about Apple, and I'm hoping some of you might be interested in chatting with me offline -- on the record, off the record, whatever -- about your thoughts on whether the recent iPhone missteps have changed how you feel about Apple. Still loyal? Dismayed the company is human? Think people (including pesky reporters) are blowing things out of proportion?

Get in touch any time.

Cheers,
Jessica Mintz
jmintz at ap dot org

[FLAVAH]

i only turn my 3g on when i need to use the internet for a substantial amount of time... other than that its edge for me, and its still great!

[aristotle]

2.0.2 is HORRIBLE for me.

3G is MUCH worse... now it's like I can't even use it most of the time...

AND... now I can only check my email ONCE... I have 4 accounts... and after the initial check (or two or three)... I have to REBOOT THE PHONE in order to get any more mail... it just goes into a "connecting" status for HOURS draining the battery.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :mad:

Oh, and 2.0.2 HAS seemed to help apps crashing... I only have had 2 or 3 apps crash on my since the update... I used to have multiple crashes every day until a reboot.

Of course, I have 5 screens of apps...

And the stupid 2 hour backup just to sync a freakin' photo is ********!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Calm down. Have you tried to do a restore? I've heard that other people ended up with a much shorter backup cycle after doing that.

[applextrent]

I'm having issues with reception as well, and it got worse when I "upgraded" to 2.0.2. Looks like Apple is having issues optimizing their 3G profiles. 3G networks of course have their faults as well though:http://trentlapinski.com/?p=179.

[dreadloquito]

I have had mixed results with 2.0.2—
The whole interface does seem to be subjectively faster.
I've had fewer issues with 3rd party App crashes–
BUT Apple's Mail app has now crashed a few times for me, which never happened before.
I've been getting faster 3g connections–
BUT the signal seems to be far more erratic and intermittent in places where it was previously quite stable.
Back up finally works at a tolerable pace— about 1 time in 5. The other 4 it's in the area of hours to finish.
Also I've been seeing what seem to be new quirks with wifi connectivity, which has at times become highly erratic.

[vilasgn]

All these stupid news about any small issue from Apple products is overblown by the moronic media and not-so-smart users. One thing I don't understand is, how come all these kind of issues (?) never reported about any other phone? Why Apple is the only company has a hangin sword on its head?

Just because you people got the platform (so many forums) to whine and somebody is reading, that does not mean people should start jumping and bringing any minor Apple product issue and start whining. This is more publicity stunt than anyting else.

I accept there are issues but come on guys. Give Apple some break!

Now everyone will say, 3G reception is a big issue. Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with iPhone 3G reception. What you are getting is what it is. I have been using iPhone for the past 1 month and I don't have any problem with 3G.

Let me ask you this. How many of you really bothered or gave that much importance to "3G" before iPhone 3G came out. I am sure you people accepted your 3G reception quality as it was on your earlier 3G phones. It's about the network or the location at that point or any other signal obstructing electronic/metallic items nearby.

Seriously, I am all convinced that all this media coverage to all "Apple Issues" is some serious plot from all the competitors who cannot see Apple's success. There are many forces behind this and they don't want apple to succeed but trust me Apple is going to keep on kicking their a**.

Talk about cracked iPhones, dead pixels, guy with overheating iPhone (that burned his a**)...what is going on? I mean do these blog sites have to report anything crap that come out? Most of the things are so fake. Tomorrow I will hit a hammer on my iPhone and tell everybody that I just dropped my phone and it completely disintegrated.

Since iPhone is largely a consumer product and many of the consumers don't even know ABCD of the technology, they start complaining about the iPhone (my iPhone does not cut vegetables, does not do laundry etc. you know what I mean) and those complains are published by these moronic blog sites and idiotic media.

Summary is, try to relax and calm down. iPhone is one of the best gadget I have seen in my entire life. I know it will have issues similar to any technology. Give it its time and stop whining!

[jmaxima]

What I want to see is a software update that allows us to choose a minimum 3G reception level, where if not met, would switch back to Edge. If I could require 2 bars for 3G, I wouldn't have to constantly switch back and forth 3 menu levels deep just to get reception all the time.

[digiguy23]

I don't get it. Unless Apple faked the demonstration and used another 3G chipset during his iPhone Keynote, then I don't understand why there should be an issue with the iPhone itself. We all saw how much faster it was. It's seems logical with all the iPhones now being used, AT&T is the problem. You can't demonstrate a product with the same specs and have it working perfectly, sell it and have them failing. Then somewhere else is the problem

[bradl]

Since he was just here on Monday (California State Fair)...

Lol only the Americans would sue - we Brits would just moan about it but take no action :D:p

From "I'll Sue Ya" off of Straight Outta Lynwood:


I sued Dell computers, because used my laptop in the bath, now it doesn't work!
I sued Fruit of the Loom, because when I put those tighty whiteys on my head, I look like a jerk!
I sued Verizon, because I get all depressed when my cell phone goes into roaming!
I sued Colorado, because you know, it looks a little too much like Wyoming!
I sued Neiman Marcus, because they put up their Christmas lights all out of season!
I sued Ben Affleck.......... aww, do I even need a reason?!?

When I sprain my ankle, while I'm robbin' your place... When I break my knuckles, when I punch you in the face,

I'm gonna sue!!


:D

BL.

[dreadloquito]

All these stupid news about any small issue from Apple products is overblown by the moronic media and not-so-smart users. One thing I don't understand is, how come all these kind of issues (?) never reported about any other phone? Why Apple is the only company has a hangin sword on its head?

These kind of issues don't get much play in other products because they're par for the course. Apple has the blessing and the curse of having a much better track record than competitors on customer service and reliability. This makes the current set of missteps notable in that they fail to meet Apple's standards. It's not that other products don't have plenty of issues, but that Apple has set a higher standard for itself and by its own admission (at least regarding MobileMe) has failed to live up to this standard in some of it's recent releases. I'm confident the issues will get worked out in time, and I think apple will work hard in the future not only to prevent similar issues, but to raise their bar for quality and support even higher. But the longer it takes to work out the kinks, the more of a hit their stellar customer service reputation may take.

[musicalnyc]

My first gen iPhone works much better than my 3G. I get CONSTANT dropped calls even with 4 bars and there are frequent freezes/bugs in contacts and texting. There is also
some distortion in the earpiece which didn't happen on the original. I have turned off 3G on this new one and just wish I hadn't left my first iPhone on a plane!! :rolleyes:

ps. I love MobileMe, however, and have had no problems with it, knock on wood!

[darkfiber]

While I haven't experienced any dropped calls yet with my 3G here in the Columbus, Ohio area, I did have the issue with none of my downloaded apps working just 2 days after I got the phone. The solution for me that has worked for about a week so far, was to downgrade to iTunes 7.7.0 and resync my apps. (See the link in my sig below for the steps.)

[soundsgoodtome]

This one's not getting much press, but it's affecting quite a few people:

We can't download *any* apps or updates directly to our iPhones. The only way to do so is via iTunes -- and if it's an update to an existing app, we first have to delete the original app from the iPhone, or more errors persist, like this:

error (0xE8000001)
error (0xE800002E)
Application installation error (0xE8000013)

There are various permutations of this bug -- some users see all of the symptoms; others see one or two of the symptoms. But it's nasty and needs to be fixed....

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1649032

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1646859

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1596982

[wizical]

All these stupid news about any small issue from Apple products is overblown by the moronic media and not-so-smart users. One thing I don't understand is, how come all these kind of issues (?) never reported about any other phone? Why Apple is the only company has a hangin sword on its head?

Just because you people got the platform (so many forums) to whine and somebody is reading, that does not mean people should start jumping and bringing any minor Apple product issue and start whining. This is more publicity stunt than anyting else.

I accept there are issues but come on guys. Give Apple some break!

Now everyone will say, 3G reception is a big issue. Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with iPhone 3G reception. What you are getting is what it is. I have been using iPhone for the past 1 month and I don't have any problem with 3G.

Let me ask you this. How many of you really bothered or gave that much importance to "3G" before iPhone 3G came out. I am sure you people accepted your 3G reception quality as it was on your earlier 3G phones. It's about the network or the location at that point or any other signal obstructing electronic/metallic items nearby.

Seriously, I am all convinced that all this media coverage to all "Apple Issues" is some serious plot from all the competitors who cannot see Apple's success. There are many forces behind this and they don't want apple to succeed but trust me Apple is going to keep on kicking their a**.

Talk about cracked iPhones, dead pixels, guy with overheating iPhone (that burned his a**)...what is going on? I mean do these blog sites have to report anything crap that come out? Most of the things are so fake. Tomorrow I will hit a hammer on my iPhone and tell everybody that I just dropped my phone and it completely disintegrated.

Since iPhone is largely a consumer product and many of the consumers don't even know ABCD of the technology, they start complaining about the iPhone (my iPhone does not cut vegetables, does not do laundry etc. you know what I mean) and those complains are published by these moronic blog sites and idiotic media.

Summary is, try to relax and calm down. iPhone is one of the best gadget I have seen in my entire life. I know it will have issues similar to any technology. Give it its time and stop whining!


I completely agree, we need to be patient and let apple do there thing. i dont think half of people know anything about the iphone itself. everyone needs to relax

[sillycon]

There's a lot of noise out there -- let's look at the 3G quality issue objectively. First, some facts:


A lack of 3G signal, or signal stability has been reported all around the world on the iPhone 3G.
There are lots of anecdotal reports of poor-quality signals (myself included), but there are also lots of reports about good-quality signals.
There is no conclusive shift in quality between 2.0 and 2.0.1, or 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 software/firmware. Some have reported improved quality; some have reported degraded.
Many people have reported that they live in an area of the U.S. where other 3G phones receive a strong 3G signal, yet their iPhone 3G does not.


Assuming that Apple has not substantially changed the hardware components or assembly of the phone in the time it has been building the iPhone, here are some very logical conclusions:

Firstly, it is highly unlikely that this is solely a network issue--AT&T in the US or otherwise--especially since there are many reports of other 3G phones working much better than the iPhone in the same regions.

Therefore, reasonable assumption is that the iPhone 3G itself is responsible for the signal quality problems: either a hardware or software issue. Given that we've heard multiple accounts of planned software fixes, it's safe to assume that either a) this is fundamentally a low-level driver or firmware problem in controlling the 3G modem, or b) it is a 3G modem hardware issue that the Apple engineers believe they can patch/hack/fix using a low-level driver or firmware change.

Given that we've heard reports that the 2.0.2 software was to include at least some 3G modifications (reported here, at Ars Technica, and elsewhere) and that the update has generally affected users--positively or negatively--it's pretty safe to say that Apple has tried at least some 3G firmware or driver modifications so far.

So what does this data mean? Well, given that we haven't seen a "magic bullet" software fix, it's becoming increasingly clear that Apple is attempting small tweaks, which may or may not affect users. And when they do affect them, it's unclear whether it will be an improvement or not. To me, this isn't particularly reassuring. There could certainly be some fundamental driver change in the future, but for now, all the facts point to a fault somewhere in the iPhone, and the first attempt to address the issue appears to have been something of a hack.

We'll see.

[blur35mm]

Apple products are still perceived as exclusive luxury products: expensive but high quality. As of late, Apple has mainly delivered on the first part, leaving the quality aspects of their products for subsequent revisions. That goes for the iPhone, for the MBP and for OS X. In fact, in these very forums, there are more than 300 threads complaining about serious quality control issues.

Apple are trying to expend their markets but it is to the detriment of their image. The new iPhone is cheaper therefore allowing more people to get exposure to even more Apple products. That's a good thing in theory, but not if users are being served second grade devices and buggy software.

FullGaz, this is EXACTLY why I am mad with Apple. iPhone has been a massive distraction from their Pro Apps and they have been late in refreshing their Mac Pro line. In fact, Leopard was delayed so they could focus more engineers on the iPhone. They rushed it out the door and it is a crap product. Very cool, but QA sucks. They need to SLOOOOW down on the iPhone and bring things back to their core competency quickly.

Adobe saw this window and put Premiere back on the Mac. I don't blame them. FCP is the best, but not if it cannot keep up.

[strangelogic]

I had no problems with my 3g iphone... until this last update and now I'm perpetually re-setting the thing just to get it to connect and retrieve email..

Actually - today I turned 3g off - and it has been much better since then...

[freediverdude]

Well all I know is, until this week, I had never ever gotten the 3G logo on my phone at home. I live on the outskirts of the 3G coverage map in Tampa. Now all of a sudden this week, presumably after the update although I can't prove it (maybe AT&T enabled another tower, who knows), the 3G logo shows up, and it's showing 5 bars as well. And I did the download test at test my iphone dawt com, and received 2Mbps, lol. Did it a second time and got 1.8 Mbps. So something has definitely happened here. Here is the screenshot I took on the iphone.....hope this comes through, I haven't done a picture in this forum before.

http://gallery.me.com/freediverdude/100003/photo1219446614090

[wizical]

FullGaz, this is EXACTLY why I am mad with Apple. iPhone has been a massive distraction from their Pro Apps and they have been late in refreshing their Mac Pro line. In fact, Leopard was delayed so they could focus more engineers on the iPhone. They rushed it out the door and it is a crap product. Very cool, but QA sucks. They need to SLOOOOW down on the iPhone and bring things back to their core competency quickly.

Adobe saw this window and put Premiere back on the Mac. I don't blame them. FCP is the best, but not if it cannot keep up.

Why should refresh the Pro APPS and Mac Pro, there is nothing wrong with the machines or software, so why update them??

The iPhone isnt a crap product, your just whiny cause you dont know how to use it. Mine is fine, and works great.

Adobe i Premiere used to be a decent product until FCP came and blew them out of the water. Premiere is clunky and hard to work with.

Everyone needs to realize that you are not going to get 3G in every single part of the country and just be happy that you can afford such a great product.

[macshill]

If the original Macintosh 128k was known as "the beige toaster" due to overheating because of Steve Jobs' marketing idea of not using a fan, what nickname do you call a 3G iPhone plagued w/ problems?? Ideas, people! ;)

[Electro Funk]

freezing up constantly with the new firmware and nothing helps short of a hard reboot...

also constant lag when typing text in safari and other apps. (worse than before)

heyzeuss... this update was horrible for me.

[JohnnyKingfishe]

i've had that app crash/no media bug, and i don't know if this fix will work for anyone else, but i didn't have to downgrade itunes or reset, all i have to do is delete the apps by unchecking the sync apps box and letting the phone sync. then i check the box again, sync again to put the apps back on, and everything works.
still a pain but better than the other solutions.

and actually i don't have to wait for all the apps to be gone, at some point i can stop the synching, check the box, sync to add the apps back, and they work. might be good after one apps deletes, which would be just a few short minutes.

i get this bug when i allow updates of applications on the phone. if i upgrade using itunes, there is no problem.

[macwall]

My iPhone 3G gets no reception here in Silicon Valley. It amazes me.

[macshill]

My iPhone 3G gets no reception here in Silicon Valley. It amazes me.

haha Seriously... it doesn't get any more ironic than that, now does it? :rolleyes:

[ra noodle]

now i have not a level of computer know how, and i seriously have been looking at the newer MBP/s and especially the iPhone line with AT&T...and I know AT&T is crappy and has a permanent bug up their a#%...but I have been really disappointed with so many who ran out like lemmings to get the latest Apple this and that only to find out either the quality is poor to crappy and the product doesn't work right--and yes there are many who aren't having problems and have a level of computer know how they can fix things but it seems that after the last of the PB's and Tiger things quality and electronically have been going down hill....so many have said Intel chips have been so great for Mac's...yet I just have to wonder had Apple stayed with AMD would things have ended up like this? Certainly I could be wrong I am just daydreaming....take that Magpower magnet on my MBP15 almost everytime now the slightest pressure unhooks it...why the hell didnt Jobs leave that alone...and the same with the mechanical latch's on the MBP etc replaced by magnets just as stupid--and cheap to put in rather than 100% working latches!

[wizical]

now i have not a level of computer know how, and i seriously have been looking at the newer MBP/s and especially the iPhone line with AT&T...and I know AT&T is crappy and has a permanent bug up their a#%...but I have been really disappointed with so many who ran out like lemmings to get the latest Apple this and that only to find out either the quality is poor to crappy and the product doesn't work right--and yes there are many who aren't having problems and have a level of computer know how they can fix things but it seems that after the last of the PB's and Tiger things quality and electronically have been going down hill....so many have said Intel chips have been so great for Mac's...yet I just have to wonder had Apple stayed with AMD would things have ended up like this? Certainly I could be wrong I am just daydreaming....take that Magpower magnet on my MBP15 almost everytime now the slightest pressure unhooks it...why the hell didnt Jobs leave that alone...and the same with the mechanical latch's on the MBP etc replaced by magnets just as stupid--and cheap to put in rather than 100% working latches!

Since you do not have the computer know how, you need to be quiet and not question something you know nothing about.

I believe that Apple switching over to intel chips was one of the smartest moves they could have ever made. It helped them speed up the computers, they run cooler, have more power than the powerpc chips would ever have.

I like the Magsafe feature, i have seen a lot of broken computers cause they got yanked off the table, with magsafe, it has been a lifesaver

im tired of reading posts from people that know nothing of apple computers, I think there quality has improved.

[sammyootsi]

So I don't know if this has been covered already but I wanted to throw my experience in there to see if maybe it can help somebody.

My apps were crashing on launch and the only thing that fixed them was waiting for just one update to come through the App Store and download and install that. After one minor update to a single app all the rest sprang to life and are working again.

Hopefully this helps you, let me know if you've got any more questions about what I did.

[jbernie]

3G reception works fine for me. I think the people filing that lawsuit need to actually take a look at the coverage maps before they walk into court. I'm sure AT&T will be quick to show up with coverage maps and plenty of amo. Look at all the fine print on the brochures and contracts. Pages and pages of fine print. AT&T definitely knows what they are doing when it comes to legal issues.

Actually I would be inclined to think that AT&T wont show up with any coverage maps, that would be akin to shooting themselves in the foot, if they show 3G coverage maps in more detail than on their website and it shows potentially less coverage then they open themselves up to a true class action lawsuit for themselves and potentially other carriers as well.


I know it sucks to "go back to the stone-age" but if the call drop problem bugs you that much just turn the 3G off.

Also, I wonder if someone sues Apple can Apple then just pass the buck to Infineon since it's their POS that's causing the problem?

Maybe they could just be more open to all of their customers as opposed to pretending no such issues existed as they have been doing for the most part.

By not saying anything (or saying very little) and continuing to sell the devices they leave themselves open to all sorts of potential messes and lawsuits. I would not be surprised if more of these lawsuits pop up, justified or not, the 3G part of the device seems to be problematic at best.

My biggest concern for Apple is if there is no magic software fix and they do need to recall/replace all devices so far with ones that have had the hardware upgraded to correct the issue. That would be a massive worldwide embarassment for a company that freely advertises that their stuff just works. Would also make their mac/pc ads pretty useless as well. In many ways if Apple did errr on the side of caution and place a pause on selling the device they would be more likely to get applauded for stopping than continuing to sell a problematic product.

Something of interest, the mobileme issues affected only 1 or 2% of users, and strangely enough the iPhone3G issues per Apple only affect the same % of users. Wont say they are lying, just find it interesting that both issues only affect such a small number of users.

[DiamondMac]

All these stupid news about any small issue from Apple products is overblown by the moronic media and not-so-smart users

How old are you?

[jbernie]

If the original Macintosh 128k was known as "the beige toaster" due to overheating because of Steve Jobs' marketing idea of not using a fan, what nickname do you call a 3G iPhone plagued w/ problems?? Ideas, people! ;)

Half Burnt toast ?


(the black back cover)

[callmemike20]

How does the coverage in downtown Austin work for you? Is that 3G enough on AT&T's map? I get 1 bar there, if not on 2G because my phone can't find a signal. My friend's Samsung had full 3G next to my phone just last night. Same spot.

This is not a coverage issue. Ask people in downtown Chicago, San Francisco, Manhattan and Austin.

I know what you mean...I'm in chicago. Best signal, but dropped call rate is about 80%. People can't even call me. It just goes straight to voicemail.

[Demosthenes427]

Let's see, my experience with the iPhone 3G:

I had my first iPhone with absolutely no problem--3G was fast, worked well, a few crashed applications and Contacts and SMS was slow as hell, but no biggies. Until 2.0.1. After that, I lost all sound capability with no explanation.

The next day, I bring it to Apple, they replace it without a question. I re-update it to 2.0.1, and it's working fine. Except for the 3G and crashed applications. Again. Since I'm currently up in an area for an extended period of time without 3G, I'm fine with the bad 3G, but when I was back on Long Island (new 3G area), the EDGE was 10x faster than the 3G on this new phone, which was radically different than the first iPhone.

I'll go up to Rochester later next week to see if I can get it to work well there. If not...I'll bring it back to Apple and perhaps join that class-action lawsuit.

I just downloaded 2.0.2 now. I hope it works better than before.

Apple, methinks, really dropped the ball on this one. It upsets me.

[jiarizti]

I have solved my poor reception and dropped calls issues on 3G, and it was't because the just released update. I just droped the leather case I had and started using my iPhone with nothing over :), For tree days now my experience has been completely wonderful. Hope this helps some one else.

[macgruder]

Turn off 3G unless you are browsing the internet or downloading an application. Edge works fine for phone calls.

Sigh. And what do you do if the country you are in doesn't have the Edge option? In Japan, it's 3G or nothing with the iPhone.

[Romanesq]

Some folks probably need to do a clean install not a restore.
That would clean up some problems.

Others are no doubt having real problems with the Infineon chipset and the 3G network in their area, or a weak one.

[tom.nyc]

Surveys? Statistics?

I'd love to see an online survey of sorts to account for the percentage of owners compromised by the iPhone's bad service/engineering. I live in Manhattan and must stick my head out of the window ~3X per 15 minute phone call, so I can actually communicate and the call won't drop!! What the hell am I going to do in the Winter?! (That never happened with Verizon!?)

Text msgs?! Still can't forward them; and sometimes it takes over a minute to say "hi" to only 3 contacts, cause the application sometimes flows like molasses!

ATT: I thought iPhone/Apple would teach ATT some lessons. Turns out it was the other way around: Advertise great service, then screw your customers with substandard reception.

[concordeBOAC]

Well, 3G around the house appears to be ok...but at the office in Irvine, it sucks. In fact, so does Edge. If I receive a call at the office, I usually have to walk outside and keep walking till I am about 100 feet away from the office in order to hear the caller...and this is on Edge !...AND this is in a business park on top of a hill ! Of course, reception can change at any given point...its just not consistent. For the phone capability, I really miss Verizon and my archaic Treo 600 - How sad...

If it doesnt improve I will have to change to a Touch and get a phone that I can rely upon. Its the 21st century and I have a new device that has trouble with simple voice calling........ :mad:

[Hands Sandon]

Those that don't,currently suffer from agrivating 3G service, will and those that do,are going to get tired of checking whether their 3G will load Google and just keep it on edge constantly!And then,they can use their time to focus on a slow keyboard,with an out of control delete,that want's to eat up whole sentences rather than little letters!!!!What fun the 3G,MONEY MAKING BONANZA for Apple must be!!!!

[Hands Sandon]

If the original Macintosh 128k was known as "the beige toaster" due to overheating because of Steve Jobs' marketing idea of not using a fan, what nickname do you call a 3G iPhone plagued w/ problems?? Ideas, people! ;)

"i steps forward,3G steps back!"

[mattmor36]

Shortly after updating my firmware to 2.02 on my iPhone 3g, it crashed and acted like it was going to restart. Since then however, it has been stuck on the start screen with the Apple logo, and will not continue through the start up process. I have tried resetting it numerous times, but it just stays stuck on the screen with the apple. I've connected it to iTunes over and over, but it will not detect it in the devices area. I have been on hold forever with Apple support, and have no idea what to do since I can't restore it or anything since it will not be detected in iTunes. What do I do??? I am so pissed off right now because I wasn't having problems before, and now I don't have a working phone. Please give any input if you're able to...thanks.

EDIT.

What the hell do I do since my phone is just stuck showing the apple logo and will not boot up? I cannot restore since iTunes does not show that the iPhone is in the device menu. All I have is a phone that sticks on the startup screen with the apple, please help!

[vandozza]

Shortly after updating my firmware to 2.02 on my iPhone 3g, it crashed and acted like it was going to restart. Since then however, it has been stuck on the start screen with the Apple logo, and will not continue through the start up process. I have tried resetting it numerous times, but it just stays stuck on the screen with the apple. I've connected it to iTunes over and over, but it will not detect it in the devices area. I have been on hold forever with Apple support, and have no idea what to do since I can't restore it or anything since it will not be detected in iTunes. What do I do??? I am so pissed off right now because I wasn't having problems before, and now I don't have a working phone. Please give any input if you're able to...thanks.

EDIT.

What the hell do I do since my phone is just stuck showing the apple logo and will not boot up? I cannot restore since iTunes does not show that the iPhone is in the device menu. All I have is a phone that sticks on the startup screen with the apple, please help!

google iphone dfu mode.

basically you hold the home/power buttons for 7-10 seconds.

you will erase everything, but have the opportunity to set the phone up as new.

have you tried dfu mode?

[mattmor36]

google iphone dfu mode.

basically you hold the home/power buttons for 7-10 seconds.

you will erase everything, but have the opportunity to set the phone up as new.

have you tried dfu mode?


I have tried this, but was really hoping there would be a way to use my previous backup and not have to start over completely. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Bakey]

You need to check out the Apple discussions (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1602608&tstart=0), there are many international iPhone users that are having problems.

Whoops!!

I clearly spoke way too soon - having read this thread it has become quite clear the issue is somewhat global in-scale!

Although apart from the frickin' Safari crashes and text lag I've experienced no 3G issues...

Well, for now at least!?! :cool:

[calzon65]

Normally I'm not a big fan of some of the class action lawsuits that seem to be a way of life in America, because so many times in the end, they usually just increase costs for consumers as companies pass along the cost of loosing. Remember the person who sued McDonalds for spilling hot coffee on herself.

Anyway, in the case of Apple's iPhone 3G, I have experienced many of the same problems reported by others and think Apple has been a bit sloppy with the iPhone 3G. I love the concept of the iPhone, I'm willing to pay for it, I want it to work, and I want it to be a huge success for Apple because as a consumer of the phone, I believe Apple's success will benefit all its customers.

Apple has designed and continues to design amazing products that have had a profound/positive impact on millions of people. Look at the iPod and certainly now the iPhone. But I have to say I dislike the feeling of "arrogance" I sometimes feel in when visiting an Apple store; it's a feeling that "Apple is never wrong, just trust in our judgment, and Microsoft sucks". Well Apple's design/deployment of MobileMe is horrible and there are certainly issues with the iPhone 3G. I think Apple, like any company, needs a few slaps once in awhile to make them humble again and focus back on quality.

So I think in the case of this recent iPhone class-action suit, it might actually be positive for consumers since I think Apple needs to be slapped around a bit.

[MimChe]

What the hell do I do since my phone is just stuck showing the apple logo and will not boot up? I cannot restore since iTunes does not show that the iPhone is in the device menu. All I have is a phone that sticks on the startup screen with the apple, please help!

I had just bought a 3G yesterday and did all the software updates, and hours later this happened to me too. I brought it back and swapped it out for a new one. They agreed immediately it was defective.

[PRich2004]

Long time reader, first time poster.

Just my two cents - Ever since I installed 2.02, all my 3G calls drop. With 2.01, no problem. 2.02, ruined everything. I have to switch 3G off in order to receive/make phone calls. I might as well have a 1st Gen iPhone. :(

My advice, if 2.01 works for you, DON'T UPDATE.

[djrobsd]

Long time reader, first time poster.

Just my two cents - Ever since I installed 2.02, all my 3G calls drop. With 2.01, no problem. 2.02, ruined everything. I have to switch 3G off in order to receive/make phone calls. I might as well have a 1st Gen iPhone. :(

My advice, if 2.01 works for you, DON'T UPDATE.

I'm not going to update, I'll wait for September. The only problems I have since I got my phone replaced is sometimes when I come out of a parking garage or an elevator I have to turn flight mode on, then off to get the 3G signal back, it seems to like getting stuck on EDGE when I come out of the black hole, but I can live with that for now, knowing that I might make it much worse with the update. ;)

[kernyboy]

I flat out Boycotted and didn't pay my bill. I know what you're thinking (and ATT cut my service). Although this would be the logical conclusion, they called to tell me my account was past due. I called them back and told them I refuse to pay 3g money for 2g service. The rep took a look at where I live (Boston) and my coverage map and concluded that I should be getting EXCELLENT coverage.

I told her that I had to turn off 3g just to make calls or browse the web and that I refuse to pay 3g money for what is essentially a "glossy" iPhone 2g. She was nice enough to cut my phone bill in half. Not quite what I wanted, but hey...better than nothing. I mentioned moving back to Verizon as there 3g is stable.

I called Apple to see if i can get OUT of a 3g and back into an iPhone 2g. Surprise surprise. You can't get them. Apple care wont give you a refurbed one, and if you DO get one you can only get them at SOME stores. Basically they've locked you into a 3g if you upgraded or bought one new. I should have held onto my old one. <sigh>

[NYCMacFan]

I live in Manhattan, NYC have had no dropped call issues.

However, I have had three crashes where it won't reboot past the Apple icon in the last 4 days. Each time necessitated a complete reinstall.

The first time, the backup was listed as "corrupted" and so I had to redo everything from scratch. Pretty ironic considering the many hours a day my phone spends in backing up mode (like right now as we speak).

The second time, I was able to restore from backup, but it froze again and had to be reinstalled a third time.

Now it is working on the third reinstall, but am waiting for its backup to finish so I can disconnect from my laptop and take to work.

Nice features, but when this thing crashes you have NO phone and you are talking 3-4 hours to reinstall and get ready. Very inconvenient in that when it goes you are without any form of communication. By the way, if you are on vacation, remember that to do a reinstall itunes needs to access the internet, so if you are out of wifi range (because silly you, you were using the iphone for internet!), you can't even reinstall.

Also, after you do a reinstall from backup you have to sync again to reload songs, podcasts, videos and ringtones. Would be nice if it did that automatically so at least I could do it before bed.

I also have a touch and so at any given time of day, there is 50% chance either the iphone or the touch is "backing up."

[sridharts]

I updated my phone with the latest 2.0.2 firmware update and it made my iphone 3g problems worser. Before also i did not have 3g reception at all in my area where there is supposed to be full 3g coverage according to att website but i had it at work and other places. But after this update i got many other problems. My phone applications keeps crashing often. When i'm in the map or using some game. and also on the top where it says 3g after the bars it displays a dot instead of 3g and sometime later it comes back to full 3g strength and again goes back to the dot. I went to my brothers place in orange county. most of the places there it doesnt have 3g strength even though it is supposed to have full 3g coverage there. Also my backing up while syncing in itunes became worser. It takes 15 minutes to do just the back which it used to do it in 1 min. I dont think this firmware update did any fix to the 3g reception.
It just made it worser.

[Hands Sandon]

They say you find out who your friends are when your down,well the posters on Appleinsider sure are a bunch of ...holes!
I've been using my 3G iPhone at home and sometimes get a great 3G connection and other times have to switch to edge because I can't connect or am getting iphonespeedtest.com speeds between 40 and 15 kbs.I've reset my phone and it changes nothing.Withoutht altering anything on the following day say I get full speeds again.It's sporadic and not just where I live but in other places too.I don't why but I do know it fluctuates when I haven't even used my phone at all!!There are real issues with the accessability of 3G and for a site like Appleinsider to be posting a bunch of hate makes me even happier to post on Macrumours!!!!!!

[manhattanboy]

Spoke to the APPLE rep yesterday (via landline of course :)
and he said the solution to dropped calls was just to use Edge.
He would not give me his address and credit card number when I told him I would just charge him my 3G fees from AT&T :p

[michaelsviews]

According to AT&T Business care, the problem is with the Infineon chipset, APPLE did not code it properly , RIM is holding back on the BOLD because of the SAME problem.

Apples is fix is coding, in reality the problem needs to fixed hardware wise which means recall, which means Apple is going to try anything and everything and have pissed off customers with Piss poor service in the mean time.

I am waiting till september for the newest patch , update or what ever , if it works great, if not , Hello eBay.

How anyone can justify having a CELL PHONE that goes from 5 bars to 3 to none and the phone has not moved, the weather conditions are fine (I say this because in the GSM world they will blame atmospheric conditions to cause havoc with the signal) and then there is the dropped calls also. Is it worth it?

I am on the fence on this one.

[supmango]

According to AT&T Business care, the problem is with the Infineon chipset, APPLE did not code it properly , RIM is holding back on the BOLD because of the SAME problem.

Apples is fix is coding, in reality the problem needs to fixed hardware wise which means recall, which means Apple is going to try anything and everything and have pissed off customers with Piss poor service in the mean time.

I am waiting till september for the newest patch , update or what ever , if it works great, if not , Hello eBay.

How anyone can justify having a CELL PHONE that goes from 5 bars to 3 to none and the phone has not moved, the weather conditions are fine (I say this because in the GSM world they will blame atmospheric conditions to cause havoc with the signal) and then there is the dropped calls also. Is it worth it?

I am on the fence on this one.

I have yet to see any convincing evidence that this is hardware related. Sure, it may have something to do with the firmware (because other problems persist from the current firmware). You have to consider your source. Do you think ATT Business Care is going to give you a line that even slightly implicates them as having any blame what-so-ever for poor reception? Yet, we accept what they say?

[michaelsviews]

I have yet to see any convincing evidence that this is hardware related. Sure, it may have something to do with the firmware (because other problems persist from the current firmware). You have to consider your source. Do you think ATT Business Care is going to give you a line that even slightly implicates them as having any blame what-so-ever for poor reception? Yet, we accept what they say?

No I dont believe everything AT&T says no matter what the rep says. There having enough problems across the border in VT, which there finally admitting to when they turned off the old style system of TDMA and its affecting allot of GSM customers. Regarding whats going on with reception, I still think its something in the hardware. I drive a mile down the road heading east and get 5 bars, come back towards my house and its sporadic and down to NO bars. Do the same thing with a Razor or 8525 and I maintain the same amount of bars , no fluctuation

[Butthead]

I have yet to see any convincing evidence that this is hardware related. Sure, it may have something to do with the firmware (because other problems persist from the current firmware). You have to consider your source. Do you think ATT Business Care is going to give you a line that even slightly implicates them as having any blame what-so-ever for poor reception? Yet, we accept what they say?


Repeat tests show iPhone 3G doesn't suffer from faulty hardware

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/08/27/repeat_tests_show_iphone_3g_doesnt_suffer_from_faulty_hardware.html

A Citigroup analyst recently reported similar 3G problems with dropping to the slower EDGE network or even cutting out entirely when using RIM's new BlackBerry Bold on AT&T's 3G network. The Bold uses an entirely different cellular chipset than the iPhone 3G.

[Butthead]

No I dont believe everything AT&T says no matter what the rep says. There having enough problems across the border in VT, which there finally admitting to when they turned off the old style system of TDMA and its affecting allot of GSM customers. Regarding whats going on with reception, I still think its something in the hardware. I drive a mile down the road heading east and get 5 bars, come back towards my house and its sporadic and down to NO bars. Do the same thing with a Razor or 8525 and I maintain the same amount of bars , no fluctuation

Bars reported by various phones is not a relevant/useful measure, according to the article reported on AI today:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/08/27/repeat_tests_show_iphone_3g_doesnt_suffer_from_faulty_hardware.html

"To look at the bars [of signal on a phone] is a very unreliable measurement method," Bluetest chief executive Mats Andersson explained. "There can be differences of 10 - 20 dB by moving the phone half a meter, or if a car drives by. There is no standard on how the bars should be displayed." Andersson's company had previously pitted an iPhone 3G running iPhone 2.0.2 software against a Sony Ericsson P1 and Nokia N73. In the retest, two additional iPhone 3Gs, one running iPhone 2.0 and the other running iPhone 2.0.2, were also tested, both of which came from owners who reported having trouble finding a 3G signal and frequent fallbacks to EDGE service.

Wieselgren reported that the lab found that all these iPhones to "have no problems with the 3G communication in the test chamber. They send and receive signals in a fully normal manner. They do not disconnect earlier than the others we have tested when the signal becomes weaker." The iPhone using updated 2.0.2 software reported slightly better numbers, but Bluetest indicated there was no statistical significance, as a difference of up to 1dB in the results "can occur due to measurement uncertainty and random fluctuations."

Outside of the Bluetest lab, Wieselgren reported that at one location where a Sony Ericsson phone displayed full bars, one iPhone 3G showed low 3G reception while the other indicated it was on EDGE. When attempting to download a web page however, Wieselgren wrote that "the Sony Ericsson with all the 3G bars makes it in 46 seconds. For my iPhone with Edge it takes 32."

[asayer]

The same happened with the original iPhone and ipod touch. My itouch crashed continuously when i first got it. When 1.1.4 came out it worked seamlessly. Dont understand why lessons learned from 1.1.4 couldnt be bettered with the 2.0 firmware. I'm sure Apple will fix it with future updates?

My 3G seems to be ok, very occasional app crashed, mainly just after installation.

;)