There is no proximity sensor issue. I tried holding it to my ear as sloppily and inaccurate as I could, sometimes pressing it against my cheek, moving it around, etc. I tried every possible way to hold a phone to an ear. Nothing. This was done on 7 iPhone 4s, almost all of them were manufactured in different weeks. Nothing.
Sorry Jack, you're wrong AGAIN. Snow Leopard is one of the MR high school children who thinks he knows everything. Please ignore his posts and move along.
I had to replace 4 different iPhone 4s. Two had severe proximity sensor problems, one had the camera shutter freezing issue, and one had 3G data issues. Not one had the antenna issue, but I had a bumper since day one.
The most recent one is a week 24 iPhone sent from an Apple warehouse in Carlisle, PA. No Proximity Sensor problems, in fact this iPhone has no problems at all.
So, if my unscientific method has any merit at all, we can make these assumptions.
1. Not all iPhone 4s have the issue, but some definitely do.
2. I haven't changed my style of holding the iPhone 4, nor has my face changed shape.
3. It's not my "greasy face" as some have suggested, as I haven't changed by daily hygiene rituals and I am well beyond the acne stage.
4. Apple is still replacing iPhones, because I got mine on Monday 8.23.10.
I don't understand why you aren't calling into Apple Care and asking for a replacement.
I specifically requested that they not send me a refurb. The Tier 2 Support guy said he would request it. It came through new, but in a black box.
I also mentioned that I had been patient but this was the last replacement I would accept. If it was defective, I would be returning it even though I was beyond the 30 day window.
I really can't believe that Apple is really saying to wait for the software update and they are refusing replacements to people with documented proximity sensor problems. If it is true, make sure you are documenting each request you make, and each refusal, in writing if possible, with a person's name, date and time of the refusal. You may need it later.
In the US, consumers are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (US Federal Law). Basically and fundamentally, it states that a product must do what it is designed to do. If the company who sold it cannot make it right in a reasonable amount of time, you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. Magnuson-Moss is for consumer products as the Lemon Law is for cars.
Generally speaking, with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the consumer has to make reasonable attempts to have the product repaired or accept replacements. If, after a reasonable number of attempts and the product has still not been fixed, that's when a consumer can ask for a refund, even if it is out of the 30 day window.
When Magnuson-Moss gets mentioned, most companies realize that it is not in their best interest to fight this, as the law puts the consumer first in most circumstances. It's easier to replace or refund than to fight it. If your store manager is unaware of this Federal Law, just call Apple and POLITELY keep going up the ladder until you get to someone who does.
And stop whining.
