iPhone 4 Signal Declines While Being Held? A Longstanding Issue?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/06/23/iphone-4-signal-declines-while-being-held-an-old-issue/)

Gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/5571171/iphone-4-loses-reception-when-you-hold-it-by-the-antenna-band) has compiled a series of videos demonstrating that the iPhone 4s single bars seem to drop down significantly when being held in hand. The report actually began in our own forums (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=947585) with a video demonstrating the reproducibility of the problem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ixIHyEPO5g

The finding has generated many responses from people who have noticed similar behavior. While there has been some talk of this being a display error rather than an actual signal issue, several have reported that calls do drop when the bars decline. At least one user has posted a video demonstrating it not happening on his iPhone 4:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxsZQeF7PfM

While this reader dismisses the claims as "trolling", there are plenty of videos from a variety of users demonstrating the reproducibility on many other people's iPhone 4s.

The question, though, remains -- is this a new issue or are people more acutely aware of it due to the attention drawn to the iPhone 4s exterior antennas. One expert (http://translate.google.dk/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=da&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.comon.dk%2Fnyheder%2FEr-iPhone-4-foedt-med-antenne-problemer-1.362104.html&sl=da&tl=en) had even predicted this might be a problem.

We're not so sure it's an iPhone 4 specific issue. We remember seeing videos demonstrating this same "issue" for prior iPhone devices. For whatever reason, those videos never drew that much attention. Here's a video showing the same phenomenon on an iPhone 3G. This video was posted in 2008:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN6265QQwhU

Article Link: iPhone 4 Signal Declines While Being Held? An Old Issue? (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/06/23/iphone-4-signal-declines-while-being-held-an-old-issue/)

[barkomatic]

Yes. AT&T sucks.

[Flipstar]

Yes. AT&T sucks.

As does Gizmodo. :)

[flapperdink]

i'm not overly surprised. you create three separate antennas on the case, each one is most likely "tuned" to the frequency range it's supposed to operate in, and you short them to each other in your hand and change their characteristic impedance. the body is a high resistance, but it just may have an affect.

[Meriana]

doesn't happen here in Switzerland with my iphone 3g. Maybe a AT&T issue?

nor have i heard of dropped calls etc. here in Switzerland.

[ouimetnick]

Its an issue with the iPhone itself, and not AT&T.

Here is a thread about it.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=947585

[rabmag]

My 3GS does the same thing.

[mashoutposse]

Gizmodo = sour grapes?

[oban14]

This is a known problem with all iPhone models, actually. The signal declines when being held, when being looked at, when going between apps, when sitting on a desk, when driving, and during a variety of activities.

The iPhone and AT&T network are designed to show a full 5 bars until you actually try using it go on the internet.

[gadgetfreaky]

Yes. AT&T sucks.

In this case it's not AT&T. If you hit the bottom and left corner, the call drops.

[Bellison]

The second video has been removed by the author.

[lbjsong]

just get it now and when they fix it, replace it for a refurb :)

[realeric]

My iPhone 3G has the same issue.

5 Bar on my deck.
3 Bar on my hand on the desk.

:p;):D

[Shorties]

My iPhone 4 seems to do it too when I hold it with my left hand but not my right, not sure why. Oh and mine never drops below 2 bars (But it definitely goes down as I usually always get 5 bars). But I do have really good AT&T reception here in the Santa Barbara area.

[jaykid007]

I held the phone the same way and in several different locations in my house and still have 5 bars. Not once lowered to 4 bars. I believe its based on the service in the area, not the iphone IMHO. ATT service does suck so we will see when I give it a road test.

[Sky Blue]

Tried it with my iPhone 4 and the bars don't move.

[troop231]

Yawn, http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=10065335&postcount=1 ;)

[iPadThai]

This issue I can reproduce. I do not have the pee-stained lcd issues but I do have this antenna issue, however. But when it drops down to one bar being displayed, I don't lose my internet connection (while using 3G) nor do I lose the voice call. In fact, I have made calls while using 3G and surfing at the same time while having one bar and the connection is solid.

I did notice that when you hold BOTH antennas with your fingers (all five), it will cause a drop in signal meter display. If you hold with two fingers or hold only one of the antennas, the meter does not drop down.

I just threw an old incipio 3G cover over the iPhone 4. Problem solved (for now). It has no problems with the incipio case over the iPhone...

Perhap's the human contact with the antenna's are causing a break in the conductance of these antennas somehow?

[SDub90]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN6265QQwhU

and I have a similar issue with my 3G as well - not to the "no service" extreme, but I do loose reception. Probably explain why I get dropped calls when holding the phone in my hand.

[Warbrain]

This issue I can reproduce. I do not have the pee-stained lcd issues but I do have this antenna issue, however. But when it drops down to one bar being displayed, I don't lose my internet connection (while using 3G) nor do I lose the voice call. In fact, I have made calls while using 3G and surfing at the same time while having one bar and the connection is solid.

I did notice that when you hold BOTH antennas with your fingers (all five), it will cause a drop in signal meter display. If you hold with two fingers or hold only one of the antennas, the meter does not drop down.

I just threw an old incipio 3G cover over the iPhone 4. Problem solved (for now). It has no problems with the incipio case over the iPhone...

Perhap's the human contact with the antenna's are causing a break in the conductance of these antennas somehow?

It's possible. Every antenna you cover with a piece of flesh loses some signal. Happens to all phones.

[bunty]

Correlation does not imply causation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Correlation_does_not_imply_causation

The two variable here are the iPhone and the signal strength. Not all iPhones are likely to be identical and not all locations are likely to have the same signal strength.

Someone with two or more iPhones needs to try this with several phones in the exact same place, then again at another location where this happens.

[MacModMachine]

every iphone does this.....


NEXT!!!

[coryndiego]

I'm not having this issue with my iPhone 4. I did get an Edge signal earlier today while I was in a basement level office but when I held the phone up away from where it was resting it jumped back to 4 bars 3G. I'm in SAn Diego and the coverage is pretty good... Maybe it happens more where there is a low signal?

Also, if it is a signal interruption, maybe the bumpers play a role in better signal quality? You wouldnt be touching the metal minus the buttons.

one other thing... The compass seems to have interference a lot... was this the same on the 3Gs? I just upgraded from a 3G.

[Carefulle]

holding the iphone does reduce the signal bars a bit. I wonder if apple will start to include a free bumper or voucher. BTW ATT has been nothing but great to me. When I was deployed to haiti, the offered free long distance the whole time I was out there, other phone companies did offer similar but not close to ATT.

[Chaszmyr]

I don't know what to think. There are a lot of videos of this, which certainly suggests a problem. I have a 3GS, and when I pick it up I lose one bar, but I'm in a very strong coverage area, so I'm not sure if I would lose more bars elsewhere.

Still, the videos of people just having one finger on the iPhone 4 to connect the two antennae seem to suggest that whatever problem the 3G/3GS have is different than the problem the iPhone 4 has.

[juniorsgv]

eh here in phoenix i noticed before ipad came out we had some crazy fluctuations on service. i still will be picking up my iphone 4g tomorrow. i figure worst case scenario i just get a replacement if there's any issues. apple has awesome customer service. least my experience so far.:eek:

[Yankees 4 Life]

My lil brother's iphone 4 has this exact same problem. If he werent at the gm right now, i'd take photos of it. I will hold out a little longer and see if the problem can be fixed. if not, looks like i'll be a sprint customer and get an evo :/

[noobinator]

I'm not having this issue with my iPhone 4. I did get an Edge signal earlier today while I was in a basement level office but when I held the phone up away from where it was resting it jumped back to 4 bars.

Maybe the bumpers play a role in better signal quality? You wouldnt be touching the metal minus the buttons.

Have a case on mine and it still happens.

[spblat]

I bet that's why they're marketing the bumpers.

[marksman]

When I try to use my iPhone 4 in my panic room reception drops dramatically.

I think it is related.

I have tried holding my iPhone 4 outside with barbecue tongs, and that seems to keep the signal more steady.

Also I tried to use a pully system using fishing line to hold the phone and suspend it at ear level, but that seems to show the same decrease in signal as when holding it.

Finally I tried it with a brand new catcher's mitt, and one that has been well worn and used. The brand new mitt mimics these problems of signal degradation when using the iPhone 4. Using the well worn and broken in catcher's mitt though, the signal not only does not decrease, it actually seems to increase.

[BendingOlympian]

The iPhone and AT&T network are designed to show a full 5 bars until you actually try using it go on the internet.

(Citation Needed)

[VenusianSky]

I wrapped both hands around my 3G iOS4 and it only dropped two bars, from full signal. I tested twice with same results. My area does have excellent signal however. I don't find my results to be the same as iPhone 4.

[staccato83]

Tried it with my iPhone 4 and the bars don't move.

Same here. I held my phone every which way possible and I still get full signal.

[macking104]

Many phones have had same problem for years. Don't put hand over the whole back of the phone. On a filp phone, don't put fingers over the top part.

[AppleRules]

Gizmodo has no credability, I can't wait until Steve shuts them down.

[kayC]

Gizmodo = sour grapes?

I Agree, Gizmodo Garbage talk at it's best, Throw what you can against the wall and see what sticks.

I Can't believe that others are picking up on this type of Bait with a bit of Bottom feeding reporting, Oh o and why is this, "Gizmodo" is the answer that has only one conclusion "REVENGE".

Gizmodo Suck's.

[acocke]

I have always had this issue with my iPhone 3G when I would try and send a text message back home which has terrible AT&T service to begin with. I don't know if it is the phone or AT&T service but I have to always hold the phone with just 2 fingers and wait for just one bar just enough to get the message through. Either way though I will still love the iPhone 4 if I have to hold it with 2 fingers to get service! :o

[Fast Shadow]

i'm not overly surprised. you create three separate antennas on the case, each one is most likely "tuned" to the frequency range it's supposed to operate in, and you short them to each other in your hand and change their characteristic impedance. the body is a high resistance, but it just may have an affect.

You would think so, but you would also think that Apple's engineers could not have overlooked something so obvious that even a complete non-engineer (such as myself) would ask themselves immediately? I mean, they must have considered this when they designed it? I'm kind of stumped as to how dumb an oversight this is on Apple's part.

[ouimetnick]

Some folks are saying even if they cover the 3G or 3GS up with their hands, they will lose some bras yes, but still have Service. I had to completly cover my phone. The way of holding iPhone 4, only with a few fingers kills reception, and this has not happened on my iPhone 3GS or my brothers 3G.

[Chaszmyr]

When I try to use my iPhone 4 in my panic room reception drops dramatically.

I think it is related.

I have tried holding my iPhone 4 outside with barbecue tongs, and that seems to keep the signal more steady.

Also I tried to use a pully system using fishing line to hold the phone and suspend it at ear level, but that seems to show the same decrease in signal as when holding it.

Finally I tried it with a brand new catcher's mitt, and one that has been well worn and used. The brand new mitt mimics these problems of signal degradation when using the iPhone 4. Using the well worn and broken in catcher's mitt though, the signal not only does not decrease, it actually seems to increase.

I am really concerned about this problem, but still your post (especially in combination with your 'tar) was hilarious.

[Mr. Gates]

When I try to use my iPhone 4 in my panic room reception drops dramatically.

I think it is related.

I have tried holding my iPhone 4 outside with barbecue tongs, and that seems to keep the signal more steady.

Also I tried to use a pully system using fishing line to hold the phone and suspend it at ear level, but that seems to show the same decrease in signal as when holding it.

Finally I tried it with a brand new catcher's mitt, and one that has been well worn and used. The brand new mitt mimics these problems of signal degradation when using the iPhone 4. Using the well worn and broken in catcher's mitt though, the signal not only does not decrease, it actually seems to increase.

It would be cool to have a " Like --Dislike " System in place for comments

I REALLY like this one.

Belly Laugh

[lshaner]

Well, DUH! My first thought was "When people touch those sides=antenna's it's going to affect signal reception." But that may be the Electrical Engineer in me speaking!

[Jedouglas]

I've had the problem w my 3GS and it does drop calls. I don't have my 4 yet to compare. I'm hoping it is better.

[sfwalter]

I tried and tried with no avail. I can't reproduce the issue.

[LoneDeranger]

This happens all the time with my 3G. I get full bars when it's lying down, but when I pick it up and try to make a call it drops to zero.

[617arg]

an iPhone with bad reception?!! Unheard of! Impossible!!!

really.......my 2g has similar issues. Can hardly hold a single call......

[oban14]

(Citation Needed)

Come on over and buy me lunch, I'll be more than happy to show you. AT&T "fixed" their bandwidth problems in San Francisco by having iPhones show a full 5 bars when they often have no network connection at all.

[dissdnt]

Okay we get it Gizmodo you are bitter. All day with cracked iPhones if dropped. Really electronic equipment dropped over and over breaks? REVELATION!

[Tundraboy]

Apple is now selling iGloves $29.95 available in September for better cell reception and as an added bonus they prevent scratches!!!!!!!!!
:D:D:D:D:D

[kiljoy616]

doesn't happen here in Switzerland with my iphone 3g. Maybe a AT&T issue?

nor have i heard of dropped calls etc. here in Switzerland.

I envy you, :o can't believe how bad a company can be until you use ATT.

As for the actual article, I have never had this problem with the 3G and I don't have the 4Gen yet to comment if this is happening.

Has anyone actually had this problem with 3G or 3Gs?

[pyroza]

Why are people flaming Gizmodo? Go check out the massive thread in the iPhone forum about multiple users having this same issue. Gizmodo has nothing to do with this.

[kiljoy616]

I tried and tried with no avail. I can't reproduce the issue.

Same here for the 3G. Lucky me :D

[Larry-Bloom]

It makes sense... You are grounding the antenna... You are also completing a circuit to the two antenna which they separated with the small space...


You can test be inclosing with a case or gloved hands... Hopfully rubber gloves

[beantown6171]

it happens when i touch the left side , it goes right down to no bars

[horsepowerpro]

Fwiw, I actually stopped into AT&T and bought a 4G case today (ifrogz) I can replicate the issue without the case on (no idea if it's actually negatively effected performance, but the bars do drop). With the case on, I can't get the bars to drop at all. Luckily I'm clumsy enough to always have it in a case, so hopefully it's a nonissue for me ;-)

[kiljoy616]

Why are people flaming Gizmodo? Go check out the massive thread in the iPhone forum about multiple users having this same issue. Gizmodo has nothing to do with this.

we know its just trolls stirring up the pot.

[lshaner]

Apple is now selling iGloves $29.95 available in September for better cell reception and as an added bonus they prevent scratches!!!!!!!!!
:D:D:D:D:D

Ahahahah. Best post of the decade, in my opinion. ;-)

Leave no money on the table... Make iOS 4 on iPhone 3G so intolerable that they have to get an iPhone 4. Then make the human contact with exterior metal antenna drop the signal quality so much that they have to buy iGloves just to survive. Brilliant gouge and twist capitalism! ;-)

Apple = the new Micro$uck.

[iPhisch]

mine is doing this. i dropped signal completely on my couch while holding with my left hand, and the signal comes back completely when i hold with my right hand. put my thumb on the left side and i drop 2 bars. hmmmmm.

did apple not test this? seems like common sense.

[Mr. Gates]

Gizmodo has no credability, I can't wait until Steve shuts them down.


http://home.deds.nl/~stygmata/forumspam/orly_baby1.gif


Yeah, they totally failed on there predictions of the new ipho.....

Wait Whaaaa ??!!!1
Are you serious?

They Rule.
Don't be a fanboy to fit in.

Give them a little Credit,

They generated interest WAYYYYY before this model was released.

Steve LOVES Them !

[Krizoitz]

Ok, this report is from the clowns at Gizmodo so you'll forgive me if I am INCREDIBLY skeptical about its veracity as some sort of wide spread design flaw. Heck maybe it is, anything is possible. Of course its also possible Bill Cosby, Bill Gates, and Bill Clinton will send me a birthday card this year.

Then again, even if it is true, i'm getting a bumper for my iPhone so whatever :)

[jusco240sx]

I never noticed it before but I have the same problem on my 3G. I get horrible coverage in San Diego and drop calls all the time but the phone typically has 4 or 5 bars when I'm not touching it but it drops to one the minute I pick it up. I have to wonder if it's a coverage issue.

[masivone]

My iphone 1st gen does this...

[wizard]

By the way I'm An American and thus have first hand experience with ignorance.

The first thing to consider is that niether Apple nor AT&T have any mastery over physical reality. By their very nature radio wave interact with the environment around them. This happens with any device be it a ham radio, a policemans radio, the local FM station, the airports radar or whatever. Since cell phones are nothing but radios they likewise interact with the environment.

There are many variables but one thing is a factor is the individual holding the device. His conductivity, and orientation to the interacting antennas are a significant factor. It is almost like no one here has ever set up a set of rabbit ears for a TV, used a two way radio or even a shortwave radio.

It is just rather pathetic to hear these refrains that seem to say "I don't understand this so it must be AT&Ts or Apples fault". Grumble if you want but don't expect sympathy, rather go back to your home economics class and prepare for your future.



Dave

[Krizoitz]

[IMG]Yeah, they totally failed on there predictions of the new ipho.....

They Rule.
Don't be a fanboy to fit in.

Give them a little Credit,

They generated interest WAYYYYY before this model was released.

Steve LOVES Them !

Prediction? It's not a prediction when you buy a stolen prototype and leak information. The first is a felony, the second is potentially one too.

Given them CREDIT?!? For breaking the law? For being **********? They threw Gray Powel under the bus just to get the story, I mean did you even see the things they wrote about him??? They should be in JAIL.

Apple doesn't need Gizmodo to generate interest in the next iPhone, and they don't need Gizmodo giving their competition an early heads up. It's not about being a "fanboy", its about realizing that they broke the law and shouldn't get away with it.

I can't wait til the day where we can toast Chen's jail sentence.

[CKtoph]

This is mind blowing. I guess I just never heard of it happening before but I just tried it on both my wife's 3GS and my 3G, and the exact same thing happened. We had both phones on the table (no cases), picked up both phones making sure our skin contacted both sides of the phones, and watched in amazement as the bars progressively dropped to 5 bars to 1.

We then tried this with the cases, and both phones went from 5 bars to 4 but never lower than that.

[kiljoy616]

It makes sense... You are grounding the antenna... You are also completing a circuit to the two antenna which they separated with the small space...


You can test be inclosing with a case or gloved hands... Hopfully rubber gloves

What makes sense, that Apple with all its Engineers did not see this coming and did not take this into account. So your basically saying Apple and their staff is basically incompetent.

I like to think that there may be some issues but that they missed this and still did not care, come on Steve Jobs even explained how important this was.

Like anything new little things can go wrong in production of so many iphones not including the issues with the foxcomm. I am sure in the coming weeks this will be dealt with. :)

[BruiserBear]

lol at the people trying to act like this is somehow Gizmodo's claim. There are hundreds of people on the MACRUMORS forums who are experiencing this. It has nothing to do with Gizmodo.

But keep up the good fight you moronic Apple warriors!

[flopticalcube]

This iPhone model has had more than its share of problems. Let's hope Apple works out the kinks soon.

[beantown6171]

mine is doing this. i dropped signal completely on my couch while holding with my left hand, and the signal comes back completely when i hold with my right hand. put my thumb on the left side and i drop 2 bars. hmmmmm.

did apple not test this? seems like common sense.


i know wtf, i think the bumper case will solve this issue,they should give us a free one

[NeoMayhem]

My 3gs and cheap Nokia phone do this as well. They never go all the way down if I am on Edge, but on 3g the iPhone will switch back to edge sometimes.

[letterexchange]

So I did something amazing and you know, tried another iPhone model. I just recorded this 15 minutes ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MKeTk-jLNE

Sorry its blurry and crappy but I had to use my point and shoot since I was taking video of the 3GS. Feel free to just skip to the last 40 seconds.

[Wateroksnmud]

It's a software issue if not an app that is causing it. Video's of 3G's, 3GS's and iPhone 4's all doing it, but only particular one's.

[oban14]

mine is doing this. i dropped signal completely on my couch while holding with my left hand, and the signal comes back completely when i hold with my right hand. put my thumb on the left side and i drop 2 bars. hmmmmm.

did apple not test this? seems like common sense.

Don't focus on that. Look at how pretty this metal siding is!

[jaykk]

As does Gizmodo. :)

somehow this site love Giz...

[mattster16]

big deal, I remember this 'phenomenon' happening on half the cell phones I've ever owned over the last 10 years. the body can interfere with radio reception

[oban14]

What makes sense, that Apple with all its Engineers did not see this coming and did not take this into account. So your basically saying Apple and their staff is basically incompetent.

I like to think that there may be some issues but that they missed this and still did not care, come on Steve Jobs even explained how important this was.

Like anything new little things can go wrong in production of so many iphones not including the issues with the foxcomm. I am sure in the coming weeks this will be dealt with. :)

Apple has made PLENTY of screw ups due to form over function over their history. Remember the Mac Cube?

[martysmusic]

FYI -

Just tried this with my 3GS (iOS4), no case, it drops three bars, case on, it dropped one bar.

[iMouse]

Some folks are saying even if they cover the 3G or 3GS up with their hands, they will lose some bras yes, but still have Service...

Please let this be true...

[dork]

This is easy to diagnose. If it's skin contact with the metal antennae, then wearing gloves, or using the Apple "Bumper" case will cure the problem. If it's some other problem endemic to the entire iPhone line, then those cures won't work.:p

[stukick]

Looks like Gizmodo is trying to get a little payback after that search warrant thing...

[BruiserBear]

Looks like Gizmodo is trying to get a little payback from that search warrant thing...

I guess all the people who own iPhone 4's and are complaining about it on the MacRumors forums are also trying to get a little payback too?

[LngIslGuy17]

man its been a busy day on mac rumors huh! all these bad news about the ip4s. i can only imagine what tomorrow will be like. CHAOS! :apple:

[Tundraboy]

Ahahahah. Best post of the decade, in my opinion. ;-)

Leave no money on the table... Make iOS 4 on iPhone 3G so intolerable that they have to get an iPhone 4. Then make the human contact with exterior metal antenna drop the signal quality so much that they have to buy iGloves just to survive. Brilliant gouge and twist capitalism! ;-)

Apple = the new Micro$uck.

This is easy to diagnose. If it's skin contact with the metal antennae, then wearing gloves, or using the Apple "Bumper" case will cure the problem. If it's some other problem endemic to the entire iPhone line, then those cures won't work.:p


Can I interest you in the new iGloves only $29.95!!!!! Magical and revolutionary they are!!!!!!

[Zander-Fragile]

The blind allegiance of so many macrumor readers is pretty incredible! This story originated in the MacRumors forums this afternoon:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=947585&page=21

It is clearly more problematic in the case of the iPhone 4.

[claygill]

If this is a real effect and it's caused by the antenna gaps being shorted when the phone is held, with all that suggests about electrical resistance and the skin.........
Could we have an E-Meter app?


Wow solo auditing anywhere anytime! :D

[gkarris]

Is this thread for real?

Is it April 1st?

I've never had a problem with my original iPhone hacked for T-Mobile....

For real?

Yellow spots, reduced reception when holding the phone... :eek:

[letterexchange]

Is this thread for real?

Is it April 1st?

I've never had a problem with my original iPhone hacked for T-Mobile....

For real?

Yellow spots, reduced reception when holding the phone... :eek:

This has happened on all 3 previous iPhone models I've owned.

Here's it happening on my 3GS. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MKeTk-jLNE You can put away the eek.

[martysmusic]

Just found this on another thread. Has anyone tried holding a 3GS that is still on version 3, not iOS4?

the iPHONE 4 Reception issue is a SOFTWARE issue! VIDEO link inside

RELAX! it's a software issue! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Lpt2YkF3Q

[macfan881]

If the news is coming for Gizmodo i say i take this as a grain of salt they been B*tchy since they been busted by apple if you really want to find out browse through apples tech forums more reliaible than Crapmodo.

[Anuba]

My iPhone 3G has the same issue.

5 Bar on my deck.
3 Bar on my hand on the desk.

:p;):D
I absolutely cannot hold my 3G (with iOS 4) in any manner that makes it lose bars. Left hand, right hand, both hands... I tried to wrap both hands around it to the point that the bar display was just about the only visible part of the phone... still 5 bars. Then again I'm not on AT&T.

The thing the Danish expert said about the phone losing up to 90% of the signal when designed like the iPhone 4 was interesting though.

[sanders4617]

Its happening to me too.. and while it might happen to the other models.. its sooo much more noticeable on the iPhone 4. I never had a connectivity issue with the 3G just by holding the phone.. but I can hold this one and go from full service (im right by a tower).. down to 2 bars usually.. and i have had it go down to 0/1 as well. Never did I have it happen with the 3G. :(

[-aggie-]

Yes. AT&T sucks.

Clearly this has nothing to do with AT&T.

My 3GS does the same thing.

My 3G does not. Whether the 4 actually has this problem is in question. We’ll know more as time goes on, but Gizmodo has no credibility and while certain members report this, plenty don’t. I just find it hard to believe that Apple wouldn’t have caught this during testing.

[djellison]

Gizmodo = sour grapes?

They're reporting a well documented, known problem. Why should anyone have a problem with that.

Who's really guilty of sour grapes here?

[kspen]

There are some reports with video of the carrier signal meter (5 bars) declining when people touch the two parts of the iPhone 4 metal frame/antenna.

I wonder if the iPhone 4 signal strength issues are only affecting the weaker carrier signal, since it doesn't seem to be an issue when making calls. The low power of the carrier "side band" might be more affected since it is designed to be on constantly, and must be low power for battery life. When making or receiving calls,the power ramps up negating, the small reduction in signal caused by touching the frame.

[Supa_Fly]

Is this thread for real?

Is it April 1st?

I've never had a problem with my original iPhone hacked for T-Mobile....

For real?

Yellow spots, reduced reception when holding the phone... :eek:

Believe it. Apple engineers are still a bit new to cellular engineering, and I doubt Foxcon has serious experience in the matter without outsourcing compents/chips/hardware that do a fine job. we'll see if this is a hardware/design/firmware related issue in the next 60 days or so.

Here is something VERY silly but may work. Those of you out there that have this issue ... after 30 minutes of drinking 1-2 tablespoons of salt in 500ml/1litre of water how does this situation turn out with the exact same test in the exact same location & orientations??!!

Yes I'm serious.

[sanders4617]

Whoever is saying it is iOS4 is probably RIGHT! Because since I updated my phone (3G) to iOS4 (Monday night).. I have had more problems browsing the web and connecting than I ever have before.. and now with the iPhone 4.. having trouble there too.. So I think we may can narrow it down to iOS4.

I can't use Rhapsody on iOS4 either.. if anyone has that.. Not even in Wifi.. it wont play the song

[spillproof]

In the 2 years I've had my 3G (OS 2x-4.0), I have never once had a signal problem when holding it. (However, my bars drop when I'm near my roommates really old microwave when it is on :D)

[MrCrowbar]

Well it makes sense: your palm and fingers bridge the gap (the "seam") separating the different antennas and thus making a circular antenna, canceling out the signal. Also your body is extending the antennas, anybody who has ever used a portable long wave radio knobs that touching the antenna makes the signal worse.

[Stabicus]

Is this happening to all 600,00+ pre orders? I doubt it, Are the screen issues happening to all 600,000+ pre orders? Nope again.

So therefore when one removes the improbable what your left with is although unlikely the most probable issue. If its not happening on every single phone out there, is it possible that its a production issue? When mass produced any product can and will have issues.

Until every single person who pre-orders, or buys an iP4 has this these issues I don't think we can blame AT&T or Apple.

Nothing is perfect, Kids are born with birth defects, allergies and what not. What would have happened if the first kid/s born had birth defects? Would the human race just up and stopped having kid's because of a couple issues? I doubt it.

I could go on and on, like what about when you buy a bike for your kid and it is missing a screw (Insert smart remarks here), or when you buy a entertainment center and put it together only to find out all the pieces dont fit as they should? Does one then presume that all bikes and entertainment centers are crap and that you should no longer buy them?

Calm down, step back and re-evaluate the situation. For those of us with issues, I am sure Apple will take care of us and for those of you lucky enough to be blemish free, enjoy your new toy.

Ohh and as the Human Torch says "FLAME ON"

[Yebot]

Interesting studies.

Cant buy into the gizmodo info though. They spin a lot of antiApple sentiment these days.

[Dimwhit]

Well, I'm not getting it. If it's a design flaw or an AT&T problem, it's intermittent. I keep all my bars no matter how (or how long) I hold my phone (iPhone 4).

[macfan881]

They're reporting a well documented, known problem. Why should anyone have a problem with that.

Who's really guilty of sour grapes here?

Really ? All I've been seeing is the articles Via Gizmodo and no one else :cool:

[Snowy_River]

As a point of interest, I'm an AT&T customer, I use a Samsung phone, and I see this sort of signal drop from time to time when holding the phone. This may well be an issue that is simply related to cell phones in general, or ti AT&T's network, or somewhere in-between, but it's getting spotlighted by the iPhone 4.

Food for thought.

[Xavier]

Not sure if this is AT&T's fault or the phone.

Either way, I am glad that I didn't upgrade. Still holding out for the [hopes and dreams] Verizon iPhone. [/hopes and dreams]

[mrxmoonlight]

holding my iPhone4 in my hand and still have full service.....your phone's just busted

[letterexchange]

They're reporting a well documented, known problem. Why should anyone have a problem with that.

Who's really guilty of sour grapes here?

I don't have a problem with Gizmodo as I'm a reader of their site. My only issue with them concerning this is that in a hurry to post anything that's going to bust Apple's iBalls about anything iPhone 4 related (come on, you know they are doing that with the tone of their coverage as of late) they didn't try it on any other device before posting the story to be first, meanwhile there is video going back a couple years of this issue and they aren't updating the story with anybody in their comments saying "yeah, my old iPhones do it too" and only with more videos of people trying it out causing less sane people to freak out over this. I just think they're better when they are reporting all the facts they can get their hands on and providing some perspective on the issue like they normally do. Which in this case would be, "ok, so the iPhone 4 does this, BUT, so did the previous 3 iPhones, so don't cry yet."

[wizard]

First every cell phone you will ever pick up will interact with you and the environment as you move it around. It is just a reality when it comes to working with RF signals.

Second any posting on Gizmodos site has to be questioned. There may or may not be a problem here but one should not afford Gizmodo any sort of credibility.

The Telcos and cell phone manufactures have spent a lot of time and effort to make cell phones usable by the illiterate For the most part they have been successful. The problem is they have absolutely no control over the environment between the tower and the cell phone. So if you put youself in a hole in the ground expect problems.

I look at this way you can live in a world where you expect others to make things work for you or you can live in a world where YOU make things work for you. Guess who is going to make it through life easier?


Dave

[spazzcat]

Just tried with mine went from 4 bars to 5...

[marksman]

It is clearly more problematic in the case of the iPhone 4.

How so?

[ObsidianKt]

+1 for my 3GS doing the exact same thing. Just tested it. crazy. At least we know it's not a new problem.

[gkarris]

Believe it. Apple engineers are still a bit new to cellular engineering, and I doubt Foxcon has serious experience in the matter without outsourcing compents/chips/hardware that do a fine job. we'll see if this is a hardware/design/firmware related issue in the next 60 days or so.

Here is something VERY silly but may work. Those of you out there that have this issue ... after 30 minutes of drinking 1-2 tablespoons of salt in 500ml/1litre of water how does this situation turn out with the exact same test in the exact same location & orientations??!!

Yes I'm serious.

So wait, can you still make calls?

As I said - never had the problem with mine on T-Mobile USA...

[marksman]

holding my iPhone4 in my hand and still have full service.....your phone's just busted



YOU,

ARE

NOT

HOLDING

IT

HARD

ENOUGH

!!!!!!!!

[kmiahali]

I heard many here say that the bars seem to drop when the iPhone is held in hand but not when in a case. Maybe Apple knowingly released iPhone 4 with this issue and Bumpers are the perfect solution as they only cover the metal frame only which happens to house all 3 antennas. This is certainly an odd issue that was never given any attention with both the iPhone 3G and the 3GS but suddenly became noticable with the release of iPhone 4 and the external antenna.

[retroneo]

Same here. I held my phone every which way possible and I still get full signal.

You need to do it when the phone is not on full bars, (you can't see how good the signal strength is past the maximum bar unless you turn on field test mode)

[jjahshik32]

Whoa~ This really sucks.. Do I hear a recall?!?

[retroneo]

This happens all the time with my 3G. I get full bars when it's lying down, but when I pick it up and try to make a call it drops to zero.

The antenna on the 3G / 3GS is at the bottom of the phone on the back. If you hold it there, you'll see it drop signal substantially if you're in field test mode.

You may also see the bars drop if you're not at full bars already.

[invertedNormal]

my sony ericsson does that. as a matter of fact i can't think of any cell phone i've had that the bars don't drop a bit or a lot if i hold it in my hand or up to my ear. it's just a cell phone vs. flesh thing. not much to do about it.

[mrxmoonlight]

YOU,

ARE

NOT

HOLDING

IT

HARD

ENOUGH

!!!!!!!!

Lol, i loved that.

[robotmonkey]

It has to do with the orientation of the phone. Even if you have a 3gs, 3g, or original (like me), you will notice greater signal strength when it is horizontal to the ground than when it is at an angle (like when you hold it). Some have been claiming this is due to a human hand somehow connecting the antennas. This is the behavior of electricity, but an antenna does not emit or receive electricity. I have read that the iphone 4 automatically chooses the best signal, not necessarily the strongest, and that there is a bug that apple is working on that makes it so bars don't decrease even though the "weaker" signal is better. So I guess the problem in that scenario is the iphone displaying strength bars, not quality bars.

[topmounter]

YOU,

ARE

NOT

HOLDING

IT

HARD

ENOUGH

!!!!!!!!


Or maybe your palms aren't sweaty enough? Are there any examples of this happening to people without sweaty palms?

[NyArtboy]

It could be that the fact the antenna's reception is now spread out around the phone. When you do that to any signal it tends to lose density. Therefore it could be affected more easily from outside interference. When an antenna has a 'point' the signal tends to be more dense and therefore seemingly more robust.

[AppleMojo]

Not quite sure how people can call bad signal quality 'trolling'... it's a fact, the only way I am able to use my iPhone 4 at all since yesterday is to have it in a case.

I posted two videos here, one with my iPhone 4 without a case and one with it in a case:

http://www.loyalmoses.com/2010/06/iphone-4-poor-signal-quality-with-and-without-case/

It's quite possible that some people aren't experiencing it, but that has no relevance for those of us who are experiencing it.

[bodhisattva]

I have a 3GS 32GB and can't replicate the problem. As well, my new 32GB iPhone 4 arrived today, and I've tested in several locations in my home, several times, both hands, etc... no signal loss.

I can lay it on the table and occasionally I'll see a bar drop here and there and return.. sometimes dropping to two bars, then back up.. all without touching it. Same is true while in hand regardless of touching sides, top, etc.

When mass producing anything you are going to have small differences, problems, etc.. as well, as other posters have commented, signal strength in some areas might be an issue..

I'm a computer scientist, but not an electrical engineer.. so I can't answer whether or not the antenna can be hindered by touch.. but seems to me Apple with it's trillions in R&D would make sure to cover that base... now small imperfections at the factory.. out of anyones control.. I'd say return it and get a new unit.. see if the problem continues. And as others have said.. test in various locations. My bet is, either small problems with a few units out of the millions they are pumping out to meet the demand, combined with lower signal strength from AT&T..

[Zander-Fragile]

How so?

Check out this video by a fellow macrumors guy in the other thread:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4c2SiDd1Mw

[Keyhole]

Mine is doing it. Never had a problem with my 3GS.

[dedwards80]

I just tested this on a call to a friend of mine and when I placed my palm on the lower left side of the phone, it dropped within ten seconds. I repeated this same action 5 times with the same results each time. When I switched to holding the phone with just my fingers, the call signal remained strong.

[mrxmoonlight]

Not quite sure how people can call bad signal quality 'trolling'... it's a fact, the only way I am able to use my iPhone 4 at all since yesterday is to have it in a case.

I posted two videos here, one with my iPhone 4 without a case and one with it in a case:

http://www.loyalmoses.com/2010/06/iphone-4-poor-signal-quality-with-and-without-case/

It's quite possible that some people aren't experiencing it, but that has no relevance for those of us who are experiencing it.

sounds like your phone's busted too, ******.

[breese2001]

I, too, am having the same issue.

Even beyond this, though, my new iPhone 4 gets WAY worse reception than my 3G or my wife's 3GS. Irregardless of where you put your hands, the overall reception & antenna placement is a major FAIL.

[mrxmoonlight]

Not quite sure how people can call bad signal quality 'trolling'... it's a fact, the only way I am able to use my iPhone 4 at all since yesterday is to have it in a case.

I posted two videos here, one with my iPhone 4 without a case and one with it in a case:

http://www.loyalmoses.com/2010/06/iphone-4-poor-signal-quality-with-and-without-case/

It's quite possible that some people aren't experiencing it, but that has no relevance for those of us who are experiencing it.

sounds like your phone's busted too, *******

[Richierich33]

I'm having the same issue, I'm going inandout of service, without holding the phone and losing nearly all my bars when it's in my hand. What is apple to do...

[jjahshik32]

I guess the iPhone 4 users will have to use a headset to talk on the phone.

Headset + iPhone 4 = no brain cancer + best signals! Kill 2 birds with one stone!!

[Kadin]

I don't know about you all, but I don't remember adding 'Add Me Into Beta' into my shopping cart when I ordered my iP4. At first I didn't think I had this issue but when you're sitting on the couch with full bars, grab the phone to browse the app store and quickly see the bars diminish to 'searching', that's not acceptable.

Luckily using the headset makes the phone just dandy but this is not the right 'fix'. Now I'm wishing I didn't sell my 3GS and I got a phone interview tomorrow. Headset.... don't fail me!

[joueboy]

I followed how the guy did it, held the iPhone then there it goes the signal dis-appears then searching. I can smell a recall!!!

[Apollo21]

Whoever is saying it is iOS4 is probably RIGHT! Because since I updated my phone (3G) to iOS4 (Monday night).. I have had more problems browsing the web and connecting than I ever have before.. and now with the iPhone 4.. having trouble there too.. So I think we may can narrow it down to iOS4.

I can't use Rhapsody on iOS4 either.. if anyone has that.. Not even in Wifi.. it wont play the song

Since I updated my iPod Touch 2G to iOS4 it's been having poor WiFi reception. So I HOPE it's the software!!

[Apollo21]

I guess the iPhone 4 users will have to use a headset to talk on the phone.

Headset + iPhone 4 = no brain cancer + best signals! Kill 2 birds with one stone!!


You mean Headset + iPhone 4 = testicular cancer + best signals? :p

Kill 2 balls with one phone!!

[gkarris]

I, too, am having the same issue.

Even beyond this, though, my new iPhone 4 gets WAY worse reception than my 3G or my wife's 3GS. Irregardless of where you put your hands, the overall reception & antenna placement is a major FAIL.

Anybody else over in Europe or anywhere overseas having this "problem"...

[Tyre]

Anyone know if the bumpers could help with this? I don't know what how cell reception is affected by rubber but it seems to me that it may help.

[jaykk]

my 3GS drops one bar when held on hand vs laying flat on a surface.

[maxijazz]

This issue occurs when you hold right-handed IP4 with left hand. Just inappropriate usage. Left-handed IP4 will by released in September.

[rjflyn]

Well guys it happens with almost every cell phone no-one (joe blow) really notices it that much. To really stop the whining the iPhone would have to have an antenna like this:

[martysmusic]

Perhaps we should all step back a minute, and report back once we start to actually use the phone, real world... in the car, on the streets, w/headset, etc.

Cupping and holding any antenna, on any RF device will cause issues. Additionally, previous iPhone versions (3GS, 3G) are doing the same thing under iOS4, version 3 has still been unanswered.

I'm going to pick up my iPhone 4 tomorrow morning, and will help posting any issues I find, if any.

Gizmodo will not take away the excitement of the remaining 557,000 + people who have not yet received their new iPhone!!

[damarsh]

Im sorry... how can this be a, and I quote, "longstanding issue"

The phone isnt even bloody available yet.

[maxijazz]

Anyone know if the bumpers could help with this? I don't know what how cell reception is affected by rubber but it seems to me that it may help.

Sure thing. It is easy to assume that bottom part is grounded. When you connect both parts with hands you ground antenna with some resistance. Sweaty or wet skin has lower resistance so grounding is more efficient.
Rubber will prohibit the grounding issue.

Edit: i say resistance for simplicity. In real world this is so called impedance. Impedance's value depends on frequency. Because GSM signal seems to be sensitive to "touch" and WiFi is not then technically the reason for troubles is pretty big capacity that appears between antenna and bottom.

[Swiss Miss]

Psh... This phone is trash. Forget it guys.... I'm gonna get a Motorola.


WHO'S WITH ME!? :D

[troop231]

This issue occurs when you hold right-handed IP4 with left hand. Just inappropriate usage. Left-handed IP4 will by released in September.

Bingo.. this is actually it! http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/06/apple-wwdc-2010-168-rm-eng.jpg

It's meant for your right hand. Your'e right hand fingers won't bond the two pieces of metal together. But your left hand palm will... creating the issue!

[Arisian]

Heck, I'll buy the "busted" phones from you guys :)

[letterexchange]

Im sorry... how can this be a, and I quote, "longstanding issue"

The phone isnt even bloody available yet.

Um, because they mean its been a long standing issue in the iPhone product line, including older phones. That's how.

[GaryPDX]

This is just a matter of simple physics. The phone is sucking the radio energy out of the air around it. If you have a good wind or a fan to keep the air moving then you won't have a problem. Otherwise, just wave the phone around or move a few feet and it will be fine. If you talk too long or have a long download, you could end up with one of those pesky black holes--then you really have a problem on your hands.

[rsocal]

People all the iPhones have done this, I have had all of them got iPhone 4 yesterday and it does it the same way as my original,3G and 3GS. So don't worry all is fine!!!

[brentsg]

Im sorry... how can this be a, and I quote, "longstanding issue"

The phone isnt even bloody available yet.

Well the iPhone 4 isn't the first cell phone with an integrated antenna.

[ReallyBigFeet]

My 3GS does the same thing.

My 3G does the same thing, in fact, it seems worse now that I've upgraded it to iOS4.

[sishaw]

every iphone does this.....


NEXT!!!

Mine doesn't.

[TheMadCow]

Sorry, but Giz has absolutely NO creds anymore. I question anything that they cover now.

[Arisian]

This is just a matter of simple physics. The phone is sucking the radio energy out of the air around it. If you have a good wind or a fan to keep the air moving then you won't have a problem. Otherwise, just wave the phone around or move a few feet and it will be fine. If you talk too long or have a long download, you could end up with one of those pesky black holes--then you really have a problem on your hands.

call me crazy, but your "physics" sound flawed at best.

Google says you are incorrect.


http://www.windows2universe.org/kids_space/wind_rad2.html
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/529484
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_propagation

[Dr Kevorkian94]

wow i just released that happens to my 3GS when i put my full hand around my phone but when i use like my fingers not my full hand its better and when not on my hand its full bars. i might be exaggerating but my signal does fluctuate allot.

[jaykk]

People all the iPhones have done this, I have had all of them got iPhone 4 yesterday and it does it the same way as my original,3G and 3GS. So don't worry all is fine!!!

My 3gs drops one bar, I didn't even notice till someone brought it up now. So I am not worried as well.

[valkraider]

I can reproduce this problem, on demand and at will.

On my three year old 1st generation iPhone.

On TMobile.

I am sitting in my living room, with 5 bars. If I put my hand around the phone, I drop to two bars. I take my hand away and go back to 5 bars.

So it happens on iPhone 1, on TMobile. Takes the iPhone 4 and AT&T theories out of the picture.

EDIT: and this is on iOS 3.1.2 - so take the iOS 4 problems out of the picture.

[phillipjfry]

I bet that's why they're marketing the bumpers.

Yahtzee!!

[GaryPDX]

call me crazy, but your "physics" sound flawed at best.

Google says you are incorrect.


http://www.windows2universe.org/kids_space/wind_rad2.html
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/529484
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_propagation

You're an engineer, right?

[mds]

Maybe its because AT&T's service sucks...

[LoganT]

I had to occasional dropped call when I had the 3GS. But with the iPhone 4 I can barely talk for more than 30 seconds before the person on the other hand can't hear me because the bars are dropping rapidly.

I really hope this is a software issue.

[bahooki]

On my 3G it drops from 5 bars to 3 when I hold it. At worst down to 2. On my iPhone 4 it drops from 5 bars quickly to SEARCHING, which if Im making a call halts it, which if Im on a call it kills it, which if Im uploading or downloading data it kills the transfer. This is a major issue. If I hold the phone with my thumb on the bottom and my middle finder on the top, bars never drop.

[mds]

I can reproduce this problem, on demand and at will.

On my three year old 1st generation iPhone.

On TMobile.

I am sitting in my living room, with 5 bars. If I put my hand around the phone, I drop to two bars. I take my hand away and go back to 5 bars.

So it happens on iPhone 1, on TMobile. Takes the iPhone 4 and AT&T theories out of the picture.

T-mobile uses the same network...

My experience with all the GSM networks is that they are inferior in terms of signal strength compared to the CDMA networks...iphone to sprint or verizon would be great.

[topmounter]

Does the bumper case resolve the issue?

Any correlation with sweaty palms?

[Apollo21]

You're an engineer, right?

I think he's Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory :D

[Robbadore64]

I haven't noticed this on my 4 today or ever on my previous 3G. I think i may have had one dropped call since switching to iPhone/AT&T almost two years ago. In all honesty, I don't talk on the phone much except for work conference calls.

Maybe I'm just lucky and it's my area. My advice is to move down here and buy season tickets to the Jaguars before we lose our team. Seriously, you get more bars and less dropped calls and we can keep our football team! Let's make this happen; will buy you a beer?

[Mr. Gates]

Dammit !

What will this do for the phone sex community ???

[arkhanjel]

Awww. Are Gizmodo's feelings hurt over the whole leak story? Doesn't it seem a little suspect that it's Gizmodo is the one to have said this first? My 3G has always done this. It's just the same old news that everyone has been harping on all along. AT&T service sucks, period.

[LagunaSol]

I can't reproduce the reception issue with my own iPhone 4. Nor do I have yellow display issues. Hope I'm in the majority and not the minority.

[zMudvayne]

I haven't gotten my iPhone 4 yet, still reserved to pick it up tomorrow morning at the Apple Store (and yes, I'm still planning on doing that), but this is pretty worrisome. I planned to get a ZAGG Invisible Shield anyway, would that be enough to counteract any interference?

Final thought - -
has anyone thought of b*tching to Steve Jobs about this yet? Some emails are in order.

[jeff33702]

I have this issue AND it drops calls because of it.

I can reproduce it over and over. Holding the phone by the glass will yield 4-5 bars for 5 minutes straight. Palming the phone will drop it to 1 bar within 15 seconds - eventually resulting in NO SERVICE.

THIS will be an expensive fix for Apple but I'm sure they can cure it with a firmware "fix", lol... the "fix" being to prevent the bars from dropping when the signal goes low.

Seriously, The first call I made with my iPhone 4 was to my buddy to tell him how awesome the display was... 4 seconds into the call, I was dropped. Out of my 3 next calls, I got dropped again as well. That's 50% drops people - not a happy feeling..Pretty unnerving. Makes it seem cheap and leaves me wondering why on earth I bought another one. Likely the last if they cant straighten this out pronto.

[Duositex]

...only the Wi-Fi signal strength seems to be affected if I surround the phone with my hands. But this makes sense to me because 802.11g is a higher frequency signal than 3G if I'm not mistaken.

[bahooki]

Ok, this report is from the clowns at Gizmodo so you'll forgive me if I am INCREDIBLY skeptical about its veracity as some sort of wide spread design flaw. Heck maybe it is, anything is possible. Of course its also possible Bill Cosby, Bill Gates, and Bill Clinton will send me a birthday card this year.

Then again, even if it is true, i'm getting a bumper for my iPhone so whatever :)

Yeah yeah, we get it, the fanboys hate Gizmodo. Yawn. This wasnt reported by them. It was reported by Macrumors.com users on our very own forum. It's real.

[WPB2]

Does the bumper case resolve the issue?

Any correlation with sweaty palms?

It would seam the bumper case would solve this. It would insulate the antenna from grounding/ frequency changes while touching your palm/ fingers. I ordered a bumper at the same time i ordered my iphone 4, but my case hasn't shipped yet.

[thomasfxlt]

Now u know why the court system hasn't dignified rumor sites with"journalism" status. Maybe someday they'll earn it but today they've returned to the primordial ooze of news reporting.

[ryanvsrobots]

that stupid bumper case makes sense now...

[sonicwind]

The reader that called it trolling has removed his video. Probably got sick of negative comments. He could have turned off comments, though.

As mentioned, all the iPhones dropped bars if you held them a certain way. Pre iPhone 4 if you held it by 2 fingers at the top, either corner, you could get up to 3 more bars and noticeable more speed. So now with the whole band being part of the antenna I wonder how best to hold it to get receiption. Typically a human touching an antenna creates better reception, though it may also bring unwanted other broadcasts. I'd experiment with pinching any where with 2 fingers with none touching the metal band. Dropped calls are pain. How is it with a bluetooth headset?

[-aggie-]

call me crazy, but your "physics" sound flawed at best.

Google says you are incorrect.


http://www.windows2universe.org/kids_space/wind_rad2.html
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/529484
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_propagation

Your sarcasm meter’s antenna must be out. It’s either that or the sarcasm meter software.

[merlinw]

Some folks are saying even if they cover the 3G or 3GS up with their hands, they will lose some bras yes, but still have Service. I had to completly cover my phone. The way of holding iPhone 4, only with a few fingers kills reception, and this has not happened on my iPhone 3GS or my brothers 3G.

Losing a few 'BRAS' might be fun!
Most Amateur Radio folk (N6OFY here) know however, that anything touching the antenna WILL effect receiving or transmitting of an RF signal. (there are also other hazards, Emf) The 'bumper' might be Apples way of trying to fix it.

[merlinw]

This is just a matter of simple physics. The phone is sucking the radio energy out of the air around it. If you have a good wind or a fan to keep the air moving then you won't have a problem. Otherwise, just wave the phone around or move a few feet and it will be fine. If you talk too long or have a long download, you could end up with one of those pesky black holes--then you really have a problem on your hands.

+1 too funny!

[Arisian]

Your sarcasm meter’s antenna must be out. It’s either that or the sarcasm meter software.

must be :)

[macswitcha2]

That explains why Steve Jobs was having network issues??

[dcmartinpc]

So... Let's add something interesting to the mix. It happens to me, very predictably, when my phone is on 3G service. Once it drops to Edge, the problem goes away... Can anyone else confirm this? Maybe it is a problem with the 3G radio...

Update: I might have been wrong... It looks like it might just be because my Edge is stronger. It is now going down to 3 bars from 5 when on Edge service, and from 4 bars to searching when using 3G...

[Lepton]

This is not the first phone to use the metal ring as an antenna. I'm sure I heard the older phones used it too. In fact I believe Apple has a patent on this concept. I don't know if the ring was used for cell, WiFi, or both on older phones, but the difference here is separating the ring into multiple antennas.

[redking31591]

has anyone thought that this might be a bug? I know that Mossburg has said apple has acknowledged it to him. and since some people are having it on the 3GS with iOS 4, maybe this is some kind of weird linking between the accelerometer, detecting movement, and not actually cell reception?

[marksman]

I guess the iPhone 4 users will have to use a headset to talk on the phone.

Headset + iPhone 4 = no brain cancer + best signals! Kill 2 birds with one stone!!

I suggest trailing a wagon behind you with the phone placed gently on a pillow.

Don't use the metallic wagons though, as this will likely cause interference. Use a plastic wagon. In some cases this may not resolve the problem 100% so you might need to get some rope to tie on the handle and get an extra 5'-8' of length between you and the phone.

This should clear up the problems for anyone.

I have a video coming out shortly to show it working.

[ChocolateApple]

I smell a recall if the expert is correct :(

[tranceme]

First, if you read Gizmodo for anything more than laughs, you fail. I read it. But, just to see the bizarre stuff they do. Not for real news.

Second, this is news? You do realize many phones on various networks do this. I see fluctuations in signal strengths on many phones. Including Andriods and Blackberrys when held. So, again, why is this news?

And, for those who want their money back or want to return their phone, I hope your in my neck of the woods. This just makes for better service for me :)

[tranceme]

has anyone thought that this might be a bug? I know that Mossburg has said apple has acknowledged it to him. and since some people are having it on the 3GS with iOS 4, maybe this is some kind of weird linking between the accelerometer, detecting movement, and not actually cell reception?

I could buy that. It's possible.

[bahooki]

People all the iPhones have done this, I have had all of them got iPhone 4 yesterday and it does it the same way as my original,3G and 3GS. So don't worry all is fine!!!

Not the same at all. My old iPhones do it, but dont do it to the degree that it goes from full bars to NO CONNECTION. Huge difference. Please, apologists, leave the thread and let the people experiencing the issue talk.

[redking31591]

First, if you read Gizmodo for anything more than laughs, you fail. I read it. But, just to see the bizarre stuff they do. Not for real news.

Second, this is news? You do realize many phones on various networks do this. I see fluctuations in signal strengths on many phones. Including Andriods and Blackberrys when held. So, again, why is this news?

And, for those who want their money back or want to return their phone, I hope your in my neck of the woods. This just makes for better service for me :)

People just see an apple product and they begin to dissect it crazily. its sad. did any of this happen when the Evo came out?

[pinwanger]

if you do a 3G speed test between holding the phone vs not holding the phone. you will see a big big difference.

[leoalso]

I used to have exactly the same issue with my 3G and 3GS when I was living in the United States and using the AT&T network. Both my iPhones always lost signal or switched from 3G to EDGE whenever I held them. Now that I live in Canada, I have never experienced the issue. My phones NEVER lose a bar of signal when I hold them. Rock-solid 3G coverage everywhere. The signal never fluctuates. My phones never switch to EDGE during phone calls or heavy downloads either.

Perhaps this issue is simply another indicator of how poorly designed the AT&T network really is.

[marksman]

Perhaps this issue is simply another indicator of how poorly designed the AT&T network really is.

Actually would it not be a sign of a superior built network? One that can relay in instant time how close or tight someone is holding their phone and then decrease the signal on the fly?

That is some pretty amazing technology, and clearly you are not forward thinking enough to see what this means for the future of the world!

Imagine a glass that starts to quickly evaporate your drink when you pick up the glass?

What about a book where pages disappear while you read it?

Can you not see what a time saver this kind of stealth technology will be?

[ast03]

my 3g has done the same for 2 years.... nothing new

[Friscohoya]

The reader that called it trolling has removed his video. Probably got sick of negative comments. He could have turned off comments, though.

As mentioned, all the iPhones dropped bars if you held them a certain way. Pre iPhone 4 if you held it by 2 fingers at the top, either corner, you could get up to 3 more bars and noticeable more speed. So now with the whole band being part of the antenna I wonder how best to hold it to get receiption. Typically a human touching an antenna creates better reception, though it may also bring unwanted other broadcasts. I'd experiment with pinching any where with 2 fingers with none touching the metal band. Dropped calls are pain. How is it with a bluetooth headset?

As unpredictable as ATT service is I can't replicate any of this in my 3Gs or 4? Problem is definitely not universal.

The wifi on my iPad however is another story all together!

[kas23]

My wife got her phone today. We live in an apartment that already gets crappy reception. However, since using her iPhone 4 around the place, I have noticed the huge fluctuations in signal unfortunately. This is really, really bad news. The iPhone is already a subpar phone. I don't think I reasonably be able to keep it if it became any worse. :(

I have not tried the holding it vs not holding it yet. Wife is in bed with it right now and mine is stuck in Alaska.

[Drag'nGT]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Lpt2YkF3Q

The 3G also has this issue.

[azazel-]

As does Gizmodo. :)

You notice ever since they got caught breaking the law, they've been practically tripping over themselves in the attempt to slag the iPhone 4?

[redking31591]

my BlackBerry gets better service when held upside down on TMobile, should I report this to the gadget blogs?

[omgitskevin]

I don't know if it's my phone but when I cover the bottom black slit the signals disappear in a matter of seconds and when not covered up I have full strength.

[djellison]

I don't have a problem with Gizmodo as I'm a reader of their site. My only issue with them concerning this is that in a hurry to post anything that's going to bust Apple's iBalls about anything iPhone 4 related (come on, you know they are doing that with the tone of their coverage as of late)

Yup - and this place will post anything that tries to bust anyone BUT Apple's balls and will happily post any old crap if it means a negative Apple story can head south on the front page.

[Kadin]

This didn't work... n/m

[viewfly]

Apple has always said, on their public web pages, that the 3g and 3gs metal bezel is part of the antenna system; so the iPhone 4 metal ring as part of the antenna is not totally new.

ANY cell phone (Nokia, Motorola's, etc) when held in the hand will change signal strength. This is normal. Nokia would even state so in their manuals. It has to do with impedance changes in the circuitry that is now part of the cell antenna and your hand. RF engineers design take this into account, from day one. Sometimes even designing into the bias, this affect. Also the same is true when you hold the phone and place it next to your ear! Cell phone antenna design, and the complex environment when used next to one's head is very well known and studied. A cell phone sitting on a table, in free space cannot be compared to what will happen when next to your head. So a very good reason to use BT headsets by the way, with any cell phone

The effect shown here is/was also true for the 3G and 3GS (and true of all my Nokia's too...nothing new), and has very little to do with dropped calls, etc.

Shame on media for picking up this non story from the naive consumer.

[trevelyn]

10 bucks says he or a friend turned on a cellphone jammer when he picked it up.

[muncyweb]

Heaven forbid we compromise size and style to add a nice proper and/or extendable antenna to our phones like the good ol' days.

[gatica78]

I'm sure that this is an issue for some people, radio waves tend to act weird sometimes like when touching the antenna on a tv when I was a kid would either mess the reception up or make it better. I for one did not have this issue with my 3gs nor have I noticed this issue with my iPhone 4 (arrived today) though I did notice that my desk actually blocks cell signals when I set it down it dropped to 2 bars then when I picked it up it went back to full bars, go figure. By the way the iPhone 4 rock. :D

[redking31591]

People also seem to forget the minority is ALWAYS the most vocal, and yes anyone who read tech blogs are quite firmly in the minority

[traut21]

I agree with the above that states the lower left edge seems to be the problem. Hold it in your right hand and it isn't a problem.

[juicedropsdeuce]

Get a bumper.

-Steve

[e-coli]

When I try to use my iPhone 4 in my panic room reception drops dramatically.

I think it is related.

I have tried holding my iPhone 4 outside with barbecue tongs, and that seems to keep the signal more steady.

Also I tried to use a pully system using fishing line to hold the phone and suspend it at ear level, but that seems to show the same decrease in signal as when holding it.

Finally I tried it with a brand new catcher's mitt, and one that has been well worn and used. The brand new mitt mimics these problems of signal degradation when using the iPhone 4. Using the well worn and broken in catcher's mitt though, the signal not only does not decrease, it actually seems to increase.

Best. Post. Ever.

[Greg M]

Iphone reception has stunk since the first one. I can loose the signal and my wife's phone still has a good signal. I'm on T-mobile but it also happened when we were with AT&T. Happened with my 1st gen, 3g, and 3gs. I've just come to accept that Apple just can't seem to figure out how to make a phone that works outside of strong signal areas. This is one thing that Apple really stinks at.

I look at it as compromise. In order to get the wonderful features of the iPhone I just have to deal with a subpar phone. Still love my iPhone.

[omgitskevin]

I agree with the above that states the lower left edge seems to be the problem. Hold it in your right hand and it isn't a problem.

yep, no problems just don't cover that part up.

[Mark Booth]

Shame on media for picking up this non story...

Haven't you heard? Gizmodo/Gawker is the 'National Enquirer" of the web. They aren't journalists. They are a bunch of speculators, betting on who's story will bring the most page views and, thus, the most money into their pockets as the clueless and ignorant visit their site.

Whenever I'm in line at the grocery store, it always seems like it is the extremely overweight, raggedly dressed, grungy looking person that is buying the National Enquirer (or rags like it). If the person speaks (usually to one of their 8 children, all running around without shirts), it seems obvious that they are not well read or particularly gifted in the English language.

That right there is your Gizmodo reader! :)

Mark

[OrangeSVTguy]

I wonder what happens when the iPhone4 is used in a case? Where the hands are not touching the stainless steel antennas?

Anyone try this while using a case?

[ChrisH3677]

Never noticed this before, but I can easily replicated this issue with my 3GS. And I'm in Australia on Telstra

So is obviously a technical issue.

Has anyone tested it on other brand phones?


Also, it doesn't happen if my hand is not in contact with the phone.

So, solution, put your iphone in a case/cover

EDIT: Actually, i just tried mine in a silicone case, and it lost a bar of signal

[Kadin]

yep, no problems just don't cover that part up.

Doesn't work for me. As soon as I pick it up, touching either side it goes from full to 1... every time.

[goobot]

my 3gs is fine

[oliversl]

Still linking to gizmodo? It does not make sense ...

[kaos]

I don't want him (or her) to get overly cocky, but marksman is the best poster I've ever read on these forums.

Thanks much for the laughs!

[kjs862]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/532.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.5 Mobile/8A293 Safari/6531.22.7)

I really hope this is a problem with ATT and not Apple.

[mytdave]

Human and other types of contact will affect signal, especially at the frequencies where these things operate. I have never seen it so pronounced before, however. The effect will likely be more pronounced if someone is close to the edge of a tower's coverage area - signal will appear to be stronger than it really is when unobstructed, but add an obstruction and it pushes the limits over the edge.

With the iPhone 4, the problem could be exacerbated due to physical contact with the antennas, instead of someone's hand just being an obstruction as with the previous models and other brands.

While the iPhone 4's design is a really cool piece of engineering, it's not really smart from a practical point of view, because you don't really want electrical contact with the antennas. Humans conduct electricity (a little bit) and at cellular frequencies, touching the antennas will cause a big enough impedance change to be a problem. I also predict that the external antennas will cause further problems down the road as impurities (moisture, dirt) settle in the spaces between the antennas and start to short them to each-other.

The solution? For the current model, get one of the 'bumper' covers and keep your phone clean. For the future, Apple needs to put the antennas where they belong - at the TOP of the phone behind a plastic panel.

[iamgup]

I have the same problem. I am using my old BB to my calls and using the iPhone 4 as an iPod touch until there is a solution. Tired of wear an old baseball mitt everytime I need make a call.

[Merlyn3D]

has anyone actually tried going into the service menu and reading the RSSI in actual numbers?

[Rocketman]

Is the reception issue/problem reduced when you have one of those protective plastic or silicon rims on it? The steel rim is itself the antenna.

Rocketman

[ChrisH3677]

I wonder what happens when the iPhone4 is used in a case? Where the hands are not touching the stainless steel antennas?

Anyone try this while using a case?

Tried my silicone case, and it was worse.

[azazel-]

Yup - and this place will post anything that tries to bust anyone BUT Apple's balls and will happily post any old crap if it means a negative Apple story can head south on the front page.

Holy crap! Are you meaning to imply that a site called MacRumors would possibly try to put a pro-Apple spin on most articles!?

That's preposterous!

/s

[AttilaTheHun]

Human and other types of contact will affect signal, especially at the frequencies where these things operate. I have never seen it so pronounced before, however. The effect will likely be more pronounced if someone is close to the edge of a tower's coverage area - signal will appear to be stronger than it really is when unobstructed, but add an obstruction and it pushes the limits over the edge.

With the iPhone 4, the problem could be exacerbated due to physical contact with the antennas, instead of someone's hand just being an obstruction as with the previous models and other brands.

While the iPhone 4's design is a really cool piece of engineering, it's not really smart from a practical point of view, because you don't really want electrical contact with the antennas. Humans conduct electricity (a little bit) and at cellular frequencies, touching the antennas will cause a big enough impedance change to be a problem. I also predict that the external antennas will cause further problems down the road as impurities (moisture, dirt) settle in the spaces between the antennas and start to short them to each-other.

The solution? For the current model, get one of the 'bumper' covers and keep your phone clean. For the future, Apple needs to put the antennas where they belong - at the TOP of the phone behind a plastic panel.

testers is what Apple need, I could tell Apple that the space between the antena (the small blck line) if it will get durty it will short between the antennas remember there are 3 of them 1-gsm 2 wifi 3 bluetooth.
wet hands will do it too.
mr Jobes call me I will work there for free.

[aristotle]

AT&T's network sucks in some areas. Full stop. I never had any problem when I was down in Beverly Hills/Hollywood, Vegas or Honolulu but your mileage may vary.

This is probably a combination of AT&T's network and bugs in the iPhone 4 radio software. There were similar issues with the 3G when it launched and they were fixed by a new release of the iPhone firmware and changed to tower configuration.

There were some issues with the 3G when it first launched in Canada but Fido and Rogers making changes to configuration and updates to the iPhone firmware fixed it right up.

[twoodcc]

i'm not sure if this is an issue or not. i guess i'll find out tomorrow when i'm using my new iphone 4!

[LS3]

Hopefully the bumper will correct this problem. If it does, Apple needs to give every owner 1 free bumper!:o

[valkraider]

T-mobile uses the same network...

My experience with all the GSM networks is that they are inferior in terms of signal strength compared to the CDMA networks...iphone to sprint or verizon would be great.

TMobile and AT&T use the same radio technology (GSM). They do not use the same network.

TMobile and AT&T each have their own towers and network. In fact, for 3G service TMobile and AT&T even use different frequencies (which is why the iPhone models won't work on TMobile's 3G system).

GSM is not universally "weaker" than CDMA - there are way too many variables involved to make a broad generalization like that. But GSM on the 1900 frequency has very poor building penetration. GSM on the 850 frequency has better building penetration but doesn't handle crowded networks as well. The new iPhone 4 is supposed to switch back and forth between the 850 and 1900 "intellegently" as signal conditions change. So this could in fact be a "software" bug involved with Apple's new "intellegent" 3G management and how it reacts to different skin conditions...

Perhaps certain types of dry or oily or sweaty or thick skin may have different impact on Apple's software signal management, and now that the phone has hundreds of thousands of "testers" we may find much more than Apple could ever test for in a controlled environment...

[yodaxl7]

every iphone does this.....


NEXT!!!

It all depends on how you hold the phone. I don't hold the phone like the guy in the video. He seems to purposed cover the slits. I hold my 3gs with 3 fingers (dumb and two fingers).

[ladeer]

apple engineers had to test these in the field WITH a case, to DISGUISE their phones, so maybe their hands rarely touch the antenna, thus overlooking this issue.

[WissMAN]

This is just a matter of simple physics. The phone is sucking the radio energy out of the air around it. If you have a good wind or a fan to keep the air moving then you won't have a problem. Otherwise, just wave the phone around or move a few feet and it will be fine. If you talk too long or have a long download, you could end up with one of those pesky black holes--then you really have a problem on your hands.

Yeah, I'm going to say wind does not effect radio signals. :o But maybe little animals...

[MacTheSpoon]

However, only the iP4 problems caused by touching its case can be solved by holding it with cloth. So whatever problems the other phones have, they aren't the same.

Which isn't to say that the iP4 doesn't have those problems as well, on top of this new one.

[chill1n]

I just love how mind bogglinglying stupid Gizmodo writers and editors are. I love how they do video after video, acting like they are doing science, and not one of those morons checked another cell phone. Guess what kiddies? All cell phones since the birth of cell technology get better reception if they are not moving. All cell phones get slightly worse reception when moved around, even if a little bit. It has zero to do with being held. It has zero to do with the antenna, or touching the antenna. Gizmodo is a fscking embassament to anyone that calls themselves a journalist, and Apple should make quite sure they are buried deep deep deep in the ground and never emerge again. We felt bad when Think Secret went down, but we will all laugh and dance on Gizmodo's shallow grave when Apple finally dials their number.

[NoExpectations]

Apple is now offering the iAntenna....price is only $29.

[Unique Visuals]

I have an older model Motorola RAZR and its done the same thing since ATT took over Cingular. I can't tell you the number of times I've heard friends say my phone works as long as I don't try to use it as one.
Different people have differing amounts of static and grounding in their bodies. Humidity levels may play a part in it.

(same things as in holding it with several contact points in your hand and or ear. The bars will start dropping till it loses it, take it away from your ear or ease up on your grip and it connects back up.)

Its real frustrating when those on other networks and phones work all over even inside metal buildings. I've held off on getting an iPhone because if it doesn't work as a phone, it would end up being a real expensive Frisbee.

[paulold]

I've always thought the AT&T bars on my iPhone were suspect. First off, I almost always have full bars until I actually make use of cellular features like phone or data. Then all of a sudden the bars slip away if I am in a bad area. So I think the default is to show full bars when not in use, unless you have zero signal. A bit false, if you ask me.

Well, after reading the reports about the new antenna on the iPhone 4 being sensitive to how you hold the device, I experimented with my 3GS phone. And I discovered that if I put my finger along the backside of the top edge of my iPhone, my signal strength goes up. Sorry - I can't make a vid of it, but it's very consistent.

These reports are a bit discouraging since I've been hoping the new iPhone will improve my reception since there are so many times when I am unable to use my phone or data due to poor signal strength. And please note, I live in the DC area where it really shouldn't be an issue.

[Tadros86]

I love how so many people are being such jerks about this. I've had an iPhone 3g for the past two years and its never lost signal like my iPhone 4 is doing. If I pick up my iPhone 3g I have perfect signal, if I TOUCH my iPhone 4, I completely lose service. I've lost service more times today with my iPhone 4 than the 2 years I spent with my iPhone 3g! I can't even use any of the functions on my iPhone 4, phone calls, texts, internet. If this DOESNT get fixed, ya might as well cancel your phone plans and use this as an iPod and a camera, cause essentially thats all that you'll get out of it. Call me a "Troll" all you want, but this is ridiculous.

[TMar]

Did no one think to put it into field test mode to take their videos..

[fckdroid]

'While this reader dismisses the claims as "trolling"'

this is the same reader who labeled people saying the iphone would be delivered on the 23rd as "stupid", right? very similar style of communication.

[QCassidy352]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/532.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.5 Mobile/8A293 Safari/6531.22.7)

Apparently this happens on my 3GS. I've had it a year and never notice until I read this thread and tested. Can't say I'm too concerned!

[juicedropsdeuce]

Jonny Ive and his 'magical' disappearing bars. As if AT&T coverage wasn't bad enough. I did this side by side, iPhone4 vs 3GS (a friend's). 3GS was fine with hands covering everything but part of the screen. iPhone4, it took 2 fingers to interfere with it. Tried making a call on both... 3GS ok, iPhone4 no. Repeated this 10 times, 3GS completed all 10, iPhone4 completed 6.

I can't believe it. Apple is finally a cheap commodity supplier, from China at the lowest cost possible. You can see it in all their latest hardware flaws. How did it come to this so fast, with Jobs still in charge.

I still believe. Barely....

[kresh]

hehe, now we know why Steve was really having problems with the demo at WWDC. He went offstage, sprayed "Instant Glove" on his hands and made up a story about 570 wi-fi spots in the hall. All the time it was his fingers touching the sides...

[theshirko]

well in the stereotypical way..
the solution should have been to either embed the stainless steal bands inside the phone...or coat them with some sort of insulation..no??
why they didn't do it ??
the only answer i came up with is ...style before function..

[NC MacGuy]

It all depends on how you hold the phone. I don't hold the phone like the guy in the video. He seems to purposed cover the slits. I hold my 3gs with 3 fingers (dumb and two fingers).

I like this....:p

Waiting on my Droid X w. Verizon!!!!

[sasebastian]

this bad reception thing is stupid. I've been pretty much holding my iphone 4 since I got it at 11:00 this morning and have had full bars all day. I actually have full bars where I live compared to 3 bars with my 3gs. the I'm pretty sure apple didn't put the antenna around the edges without thinking about loss of reception. TROLLS!

[WissMAN]

'While this reader dismisses the claims as "trolling"'

this is the same reader who labeled people saying the iphone would be delivered on the 23rd as "stupid", right? very similar style of communication.

OK, lots of posters here, which reader are you writing about? :confused: