Apple on iPhone 4 Reception: Signal Strength Display Issue Only, Software Update Coming

[cmaier]

It's not a trade off for everyone, because a lot of people have no problems with the damn phone. MOst of the time my 3GS shows crappy 2 bars and i don't care because i have zero dropped calls and my HSDPA speed is about 3 Mbps.

I take it people either can't read or don't know what an engineering trade off is. So let me define it for you - an engineering trade-off is an engineering decision that results in better results in some conditions, and worse in others. The fact that some people always achieve the better results does not change the fact that some people achieve worse results. Hence it's a trade off.

Jeez.

 

[CubeHacker]

As i mentioned yesterday, I really don't see Apple fixing this obvious hardware issue. Because if they were to fix it, then word would quickly get out, and apple would have over 2 million angry owners of iphone 4's that want to return theirs for a replacement for one that "isn't busted". Not something they want to happen.

 

[Geckotek]

It's just a Software Bug, People aware of "BIOS" updates to correct hardware Problems on a PC, Same thing here folks.

Apple Built the iPhone completely Programmable "UNDERSTAND THIS", This means that ANY part of the "HARDWARE" can be Corrected by a "SOFTWARE UPDATE".. Just like a Computer Bios Update, Since Apple has designed the iPhone themselves they have complete Hardware Software integration.

Apple uses Software Based Hardware Programing, And yes a "SOFTWARE UPDATE" can fix a "HARDWARE Anomaly" If it is as Bad as "People are Saying".

Not the same thing. In fact, some of those updates occasionally mask issues as well. But not everything can be resolved with a software update.

The antenna has no firmware. It's that simple.

ANY part of the hardware? Why can't they fix cracked screens through a software update?

Exactly

Yeah, software fix they did three years ago to improve the signal. It worked didn't it? No, it was a fake software fix that gave you illusion of a fix, which they admitted today! Of course they can make the signal look better or worse with Software fixes, whatever.

BINGO! This is what I've been saying. This is all a result of the 3G "software fix".

 

[tatonka]

I acknowledge that I can't take photos with my hand, OR EVEN A SINGLE FINGER, near the upper left back of my iPhone (landscape). But I'll just go around that, BY MOVING MY #^&%$ FINGER!"

Whats up with that analogy? How many cameras due you know that work well with the finger covering the lens .. right 0. How many phone do you know that you can't touch in certain areas .. well I don't know that for you .. I know zero phones. While I agree that picking up a phone will lead to a weaker signal, at least I and probably many others around here don't know of any that would have certain untouchable spots or require a certain technique of holding it.

Nobody debates that you have to use a device properly for it to function, however holding a phone in a certain way was so far not in any of mobile phones manuals.

T.

 

[dragossh]

It's just a Software Bug, People aware of "BIOS" updates to correct hardware Problems on a PC, Same thing here folks.

Apple Built the iPhone completely Programmable "UNDERSTAND THIS", This means that ANY part of the "HARDWARE" can be Corrected by a "SOFTWARE UPDATE".. Just like a Computer Bios Update, Since Apple has designed the iPhone themselves they have complete Hardware Software integration.

Apple uses Software Based Hardware Programing, And yes a "SOFTWARE UPDATE" can fix a "HARDWARE Anomaly" If it is as Bad as "People are Saying".

It's magical

Truth is, some hardware problems can be fixed via software, while others, like this one, cannot be fixed.

 

[bmwhd]

No offense, but you are exactly the type of person I am referring to, absolutely no commons sense. If there is a large majority of people who feel that Apple's press release is a cover-up and lie for their HARDWARE phone design mistake, then common sense would tell you, it's probable that people can see through the smoke to know the truth. My guess is that you buy all those gimmicks on infomercials as well, right? I don't mean to offend you, but wake up and smell the coffee.

Actually, as a senior electronics and software engineer, I've learned not to trust 'common sense' over the years. I trust science and careful evaluation of all the data. Neither of which is being bandied about in most of these posts.

If you'll take a deep breath and re-read my post, I'm not trying to deny or downplay anyone's experience with this device. I'm simply saying you can't draw conclusions and call them facts at this point because we don't have enough scientific data. Anecdotal data out the wazoo yes, hard facts no.

 

[mrcadman]

It's laughable that they called this a stunning surprise. I submit they knew quite a while ago (but still too late to fix cheaply) and that's exactly why they deliberately removed Field Test from the IOS4, so you couldn't see the numbers and they could try to pass off the bars as the culprit for a while.

I expected better, and was foolish.

 

[kernkraft]

I JUST got off the phone with an Apple service rep for an unrelated iphone issue. When he asked "Is there anything else I canhelp you with?" I commented about the signal drop issue. He said to me, "You didn't hear it from me but 'cough cough' a little nail polish fixed it for me 'cough cough', got it?" ...

I'm going to try the nail polish thing as soon as I get a chance...

You didn't hear it from me... 'Cough Cough' ...but will you able to return your damaged and womanised iPhone if that doesn't work?

'Cough-cough'... I don't think so.

If I wanted to have a go with nail polish, I would have been born a woman or had a conversion.

 

[Ries]

1. Slightly change the way you hold it.
2. Get a case (I can't imagine going without one with glass front and rear)
3. Take it back for a full refund.

4. get apple to fix it

 

[marksman]

I disagree, I think it is relevant. Apple are saying that they are going to modify the phone to better represent the network coverage and in doing so deny that there is a hardware flaw that causes the signal drop. In their statement they're shifting unfair blame on the networks, which shouldn't have to suffer because Apple made a bad call favouring design over functionality.

You're right though, in that the ultimate decision falls on the consumers shoulders and because of that they bear some of the responsibility if they decide to keep their phone.

They specifically said they were now going to precisely follow AT&T's current criteria for bar representation on their network.

So they are changing the bars to represent exactly how AT&T would want/does want them to represent them. Does not sound like they are unfairly shifting the blame.

 

[firewood]

I suppose. Of course you'll have to put it on the table and use speakerphone in that situation.

I worked in an office building with a poor enough signal in some meeting rooms that that method barely worked with my 3G and 3GS.

Other alternative include using a Bluetooth device, wired headset or other handsfree device (as CA law requires when driving).

All of these solutions also happen to be better if you are at all worried about SAR exposure (the i4 rating is not at the low end of the scale for this). SAR exposure into your hand is also alleviated by this usage. The Safety pdf for the iPhone recommends a 5/8" air gap from the antenna (as does the manual for some other competing products). I try to convince my friends that when on long cell phone calls, they should really put the device down, and switch to using a headset or speakerphone mode (depending on privacy requirements and background noise).

 

[potaco]

You didn't hear it from me... 'Cough Cough' ...but will you able to return your damaged and womanised iPhone if that doesn't work?

'Cough-cough'... I don't think so.

That's gotta be their latest resolution tactic.

1) "Don't hold it that way"
2) Get a case
3) Return it
4) Subtly trick the customer into damaging the product so they're stuck with it

 

[subsonix]

It will be interesting to see how it fares to other phones. Apparently this new antenna is better than on the 3Gs. I don't see why some people are worked up over this, it seems to be a matter of meter calibration.

 

[firewood]

4. get apple to fix it

Apple can't change the laws of physics.

 

[kernkraft]

That's gotta be their latest resolution tactic.

1) "Don't hold it that way"
2) Get a case
3) Return it
4) Subtly trick the customer into damaging the product so they're stuck with it

Good analysis! You might have missed a few stages of denial and blaming others, including the customers and the network.

 

[CubeHacker]

It's just a Software Bug, People aware of "BIOS" updates to correct hardware Problems on a PC, Same thing here folks.

Apple Built the iPhone completely Programmable "UNDERSTAND THIS", This means that ANY part of the "HARDWARE" can be Corrected by a "SOFTWARE UPDATE".. Just like a Computer Bios Update, Since Apple has designed the iPhone themselves they have complete Hardware Software integration.

Apple uses Software Based Hardware Programing, And yes a "SOFTWARE UPDATE" can fix a "HARDWARE Anomaly" If it is as Bad as "People are Saying".

I'm sorry but your logic is flawed. Yes it is true that software can be used to fix a hardware issue. For example, if the CPU in a certain computer was constantly overheating, an adjustment to the software that controls the fan speed might correct it.

However, if you have known bad capacitors installed in a motherboard that are prone to leaking, no amount of software is going to ever fix that - something that Apple dealt with quite a bit in their iMac G5's.

The bottom line is, some things can be fixed with software. Some things cannot. And the reception issue in the iPhone 4 simply cannot be fixed with software. Period.

 

[JonB3Z]

The antenna has no firmware. It's that simple.

It could, in theory. The fact that Apple is releasing the "bars" fix but not, apparently, a fix for the antenna issue suggests that it's not a problem that can be fixed by software in this system.

When you put your finger there, the antenna doesn't stop being an antenna. Rather, the antenna system is "detuned" (for lack of a simpler word). That means the antenna no longer matches the mechanism that's used to couple signal from the antenna into the front end of the radio. Now, it would be possible to have a system that could dynamically retune the antenna system in that circumstance, but it seems unlikely that's the case here.

 

[HLdan]

Obviously not a software issue. Kind of insulting to us masses. Talk about pulling the wool over our eyes, but like many, I will bumper it up, suck it up and go on my merry way, but it still isn't right. Doesn't surprise me though. Imagine if their production line works anything like their product launch did. That's trouble.

Okay, based on this post, exactly what did you want them to do? Please answer.

 

[fat phil]

When I first saw the headline I thought it was another Fake Steve post

Very good, and happy for those signal bars. Should mean a lot to everyone who feels the cold whenever they see pictures of snow.

 

[potaco]

I'm sorry but your logic is flawed. Yes it is true that software can be used to fix a hardware issue. For example, if the CPU in a certain computer was constantly overheating, an adjustment to the software that controls the fan speed might correct it.

However, if you have known bad capacitors installed in a motherboard that are prone to leaking, no amount of software is going to ever fix that - something that Apple dealt with quite a bit in their iMac G5's.

The bottom line is, some things can be fixed with software. Some things cannot. And the reception issue in the iPhone 4 simply cannot be fixed with software. Period.

We should all revert our iPhone 4s into 3GSes until Apple fixes the antenna issue... there's got to be a software downgrade to do that, right?

 

[fredzrez]

Software Fix is not a fix, its a coverup will mask problem

my friend told me that the Software Fix is not a fix, its a coverup will mask problem

apple must be pretty stupid to think that the public will believe this mornings annonucement..

 

[deltadog03]

I think, for some of you, who are blaming this on AT&T are on crack!! Take it from someone who HAS to be on Verizon's network because AT&T is not here( coming soon). Verizon's network is just as terrible as the next one's.....To be honest, I don't think your EVER going to see an iphone on Verizon's network, they keep bashing apple. And as far as this "problem" goes...IMO I blame Apple and Gizmodo.

 

[subsonix]

The bottom line is, some things can be fixed with software. Some things cannot. And the reception issue in the iPhone 4 simply cannot be fixed with software. Period.

Well, what if there is no reception issue? But rather a case of when you 'really' have 1-2 bars, the meter is showing full.

Obviously it will then appear, as if you are loosing all you got, when in fact you are in an area with bad reception and any phone would loose your call if you blocked the antenna.


But beyond that, you can fix hardware issues with software, if the hardware is software controlled.

 

[Plutonius]

my friend told me that the Software Fix is not a fix, its a coverup will mask problem

apple must be pretty stupid to think that the public will believe this mornings annonucement..

My friend told me it was going to snow in Florida this summer. It must be true since my friend said so.

 

[potaco]

My friend told me it was going to snow in Florida this summer. It must be true since my friend said so.

My friend said that his friend said that your friend was lying. Sorry