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

[rhanley]

If Apple would just admit that the iphone 4 does not work as well as previous versions in certain areas (where the signal is weak to begin with), I would be happy.

I don't care how many times tests show me that the cellular signal is better on the iphone 4 because the only test I care about is when I'm trying to make a GD call from my house.

Iphone 3G = I can hold the phone however I want and call and web browsing works great.

Iphone 4 = Works just as the 3G until my finger touches the 'sweet spot' my call drops, if I'm browsing, my pages stop loading, if I'm txting, my txt doesn't go through.

My point:

This is a real issue so why are people even arguing that point? This phone DOES NOT work better than previous phones in all scenarios. That can't even be argued!!

Apple should have a better solution than

A). Learn to hold your phone in a different way

* This means uncomfortably for many - and on long calls when you're not constantly thinking of hand position, possibly dropped calls because you subconsciously move your hand back to your normal/comfortable position.

B). BUY a case - and btw, we happened to come out with a $29 rubber band case that addresses this issue - but yeah, we'll need another $29, thanks!

* They should offer cases for free!!

NOTE: I just called my brother and talked to him... I left my ring finger off the sweet spot and we had a great conversation. I touched the 'sweet spot' and immediately began breaking up.

If I quickly moved my finger, the call would stay and the clarity would return.

If I left it there for 10-15 seconds, the call dropped.

I then called him on my original iphone 3G (which I sold to a friend) and held the phone in a gorilla grip and tried my hardest to make reception drop, but it did not... My brother could continue to hear me fine.

At the least, Apple should give you a free case -- If they did that, I guarantee 85% of the people would stop complaining. I despise cases and a week ago I would've said, "hell no"... Now, I'm going to have to buy a case out of my own pocket because Apple won't admit that there is a serious flaw in the design.

If anyone out there would care to hear this for themselves, please feel free to PM me and I'll gladly give you a call.

This is a REAL issue people!

 

[mrcadman]

<snip> <unsnip> ........Now if someone wants to go take multiple handsets and do readings and call testings in hundreds of different and geographically distinct locations and compile such a data to say there is a defect in the iPhone 4 go for it. But the evidence presented so far is the same evidence that is present for every cell phone in the world every day.

Gee, that would be a whole lot easier for multitudes to accomplish IF Apple hadn't deliberately REMOVED FIELD TEST!!!
What a coincidence.............
Is there an APP that will show the true db like Field Test did?

 

[catmistake]

Now we got them!

They admitted it! This is the sign of weakness we were looking for... now we can descend upon Apple and make them bow to our will! Just think of it! Yes, we'll get free bumpers, but also make them manufacture and sell us an i7 13" MBP, FireWire on everything, and a line of 2 & 3 button bluetooth mice!
It will be glorious!

 

[Slip Jigs]

You're saying there is no business reason to make a problem seem less severe?

Not at all. I'm saying that if the solution to the real problem, no matter how severe is as simple as the solution for the phantom problem, then it makes no sense.

 

[citrate]

This is a real issue so why are people even arguing that point? This phone DOES NOT work better than previous phones in all scenarios. That can't even be argued!!

Because some people haven't seen the issue yet and therefore it doesn't exist. They would rather believe that their phone is perfect (because they spent so much money on it) rather than admit the truth that thir phone is defected just like all the others. It's sad really but they will experience it for themselves sooner or later.

 

[rhanley]

Because some people haven't seen the issue yet and therefore it doesn't exist. They would rather believe that their phone is perfect (because they spent so much money on it) rather than admit the truth that thir phone is defected just like all the others. It's sad really but they will experience it for themselves sooner or later.

Amen to that! It's just so frustrating when you are sitting here telling the truth, and people flat-out call you a liar, or make you feel silly because you can't learn to hold the phone a new, uncomfortable/foreign way.

Or, "just buy a case" - Why should I have to buy a case? It's like the batteries not included scenario -- If I need a case, then tell me ahead of time or include it!!

 

[mygoldens]

Because some people haven't seen the issue yet and therefore it doesn't exist. They would rather believe that their phone is perfect (because they spent so much money on it) rather than admit the truth that thir phone is defected just like all the others. It's sad really but they will experience it for themselves sooner or later.

I have a iPhone 4 and it is perfect!

 

[rhanley]

I have a iPhone 4 and it is perfect!

But do you think that means there is no issue?

 

[citrate]

Amen to that! It's just so frustrating when you are sitting here telling the truth, and people flat-out call you a liar, or make you feel silly because you can't learn to hold the phone a new, uncomfortable/foreign way.

Or, "just buy a case" - Why should I have to buy a case? It's like the batteries not included scenario -- If I need a case, then tell me ahead of time or include it!!

You shouldn't even need a case but I would probably accept one now beucase it's a beautiful piece of technology. People don't understand that we love the iPhone 4, we just don't accept that it's primary function is flawed and should be fixed.

 

[citrate]

I have a iPhone 4 and it is perfect!

No you don't. Trust me.

 

[rhanley]

You shouldn't even need a case but I would probably accept one now beucase it's a beautiful piece of technology. People don't understand that we love the iPhone 4, we just don't accept that it's primary function is flawed and should be fixed.

Couldn't agree more! Why can't everyone be as logical??

 

[Abbebabbe]

The guy said he could show us videos of other iPhone showing the problem and an iPhone 4 not. I've only said let's see it then.

I found a video earlier today showing an iPhone 4 with an rather odd behaivior. Like many others, it drops bars during the death grip. But here's the surprise... NOT during calls!

http://vimeo.com/13029988 - fast forward to 01:40.

 

[Qtip29]

I just returned my iP4 and had my 2G re-activated. I really wanted to keep the phone given how big of an upgrade iP4 was from the 2G, but my instinct was telling me to be a good consumer and return the device because of the reception issues and Apple's less than comforting response. Even with the bumper on, I still lost some bars, albeit not as many as I would have with the bumper off.

My testing has validated my fond memories of the reliable 2G; I can hold it ANY way I'd like, and nothing would happen to reception/transmission, even where I formerly would have with the iP4. I'm going to wait for a possible stealth upgrade to the iP4s (hardware or software), or anything else Apple devices to do in the future to improve the issue. If Apple doesn't do anything for the iP4s, well... I guess hello iP5...

Good luck everyone! I urge anyone who is even slightly unsatisfied with the phone to return it.

 

[Gsharpshooter80]

WOW so glad I didn't fall into all this hype evo 4g and android is now looking real nice right now or better yet my 3G S going to t-mobile looks nice !

 

[spiritlevel]

The evidence for the assertion that 100's of thousands of people won't see an issue with their i4?

Yes and he went on to say over a million or millions

How about the percentage of people who use their iPhone in cases. That's the majority of women I know, some percentage of men as well.

But it doesn't come with a case...and perhaps many case users are unhappy - perhaps they wanted to use their phone naked as advertised but found it didn't work...perhaps they are really annoyed that they had to pay another $30 to get their $700 phone to work.

How about the percentage of people who have cellular coverage providing greater than -85 or so dBm signal when they make calls. I have no idea what that is.

I won't put that in the "evidence" column then...and people do move about you know, that's why they need mobile phones.

Then you can also subtract that tiny percentage of people who are intelligent and quick adapting enough to learn how to hold their new cell phone properly.

As has been explained to you many times, there is no "proper" way to hold a cell phone. These phones fail when held in a very common way. If only the designers were intelligent enough to observe how humans interacted with phones and adapted their designs so that they worked accordingly...

Nothing in what you have written provides any evidence whatsoever for the original statement made. I also asked for independent evidence, and despite me asking you directly, you have not denied that you work for, or on behalf of, Apple.

 

[ChocolateApple]

Low Bars, Call Successful

As I've stated in another thread, when I saw my bars drop, I intentionally made a call and sent a text. The bars dropped, but the data and call went through!

 

[hh83917]

I was just thinking, "hey, what if Apple is just trying to hide the reception issue by giving everyone update (including iphone 3g/3gs) to drop 2 bars in order to sell the iPhone4?" ...just kidding...lol.

But, oh well, i didn't really cared about it because where I live have fairly strong reception, so i didn't see it problem often. As long as I don't have so many dropped calls like the 3gs, it's good.

 

[rhanley]

As I've stated in another thread, when I saw my bars drop, I intentionally made a call and sent a text. The bars dropped, but the data and call went through!

Not the case for me --- I just made a call to my brother 15 minutes ago to test... As long as I kept my ring finger off of the strip, he could hear me fine... Once I put my finger on the strip (just barely touching it, no death grip), it took 2 seconds before he said, "ok, you're breaking up"... I moved my finger, bam, could hear me clear as day.

 

[citrate]

As I've stated in another thread, when I saw my bars drop, I intentionally made a call and sent a text. The bars dropped, but the data and call went through!

That's fine but you have to accept the fact that this isn't the case for other people.

 

[firewood]

Or, "just buy a case" - Why should I have to buy a case? It's like the batteries not included scenario -- If I need a case, then tell me ahead of time or include it!!

Battery pack optional and not required if you plan to use the product plugged in to the wall socket.

Case optional and not required if you have coverage providing -80 dBm or greater signal strength, or are smart enough to "hold different". And also if you think it looks good enough bare. And also don't think it's too slippery to hold bare glass and metal. And also aren't afraid of bumping or dropping it without a protective layer. And also don't need something with a clip or strap, or attachment point thereof. etc.

The particular color and style of a case is also becoming a very personal choice. There was an article about Japanese teenagers spending significant time (and income) decorating their cell phones. No way any of them would want to be seen with any generic included case.

 

[shoulin333]

Awesome idea!

Lets make a software update that makes the phones "bars" not drop when our POS antenna is covered by a pinky finger that way everyone will think we fixed the problem when really we just want them to shut-up and keep buying our sub-par product.

Seems like good business to me!

 

[rhanley]

Battery pack optional and not required if you plan to use the product plugged in to the wall socket.

Case optional and not required if you have coverage providing -85 dBm or greater signal strength, or are smart enough to "hold different". And also if you think it looks good enough bare. And also don't think it's too slippery to hold bare glass and metal. And also aren't afraid of bumping or dropping it without a protective layer. And also don't need something with a clip or strap, or attachment point thereof. etc.

Then tell me that. You can't agree that this should have been clearly stated???

C'mon now - you can't be that hard-nosed... I know you take your stance, and take it hard (from your many posts), but c'mon... you are getting ridiculous!!!

I didn't see Steve with a case on his during the WWDC -- and I never use a case and have never dropped my phone and never had this type of issue -- I didn't realize that having a case was an unwritten rule.

Seriously, you must work for Apple -- no other way around it.

I think you argue your side well, but I'm over that

 

[citrate]

Battery pack optional and not required if you plan to use the product plugged in to the wall socket.

Case optional and not required if you have coverage providing -85 dBm or greater signal strength, or are smart enough to "hold different". And also if you think it looks good enough bare. And also don't think it's too slippery to hold bare glass and metal. And also aren't afraid of bumping or dropping it without a protective layer. And also don't need something with a clip or strap, or attachment point thereof. etc.

Can you hear yourself? If you bought a top of the range tv tomorrow, got it home and it looked blurry, called the support line and was told "well if you're smart enough you would buy some spectacles to watch it, then it will be fine" would you be happy with that?????

 

[citrate]

Then tell me that. You can't agree that this should have been clearly stated???

C'mon now - you can't be that hard-nosed... I know you take your stance, and take it hard (from your many posts), but c'mon... you are getting ridiculous!!!

I didn't see Steve with a case on his during the WWDC -- and I never use a case and have never dropped my phone and never had this type of issue -- I didn't realize that having a case was an unwritten rule.

Seriously, you must work for Apple -- no other way around it.

I think you argue your side well, but I'm over that

You think he argues his case well? I disagree with you for the frist time.

 

[redbotsoftware]

Really? The antenna is on the outside. You cover it up with your hand. Signal drops. And that's a defect?

Ok then, let's see... I use my mouth to breath... if I cover it with my hand, and I die... I guess I was built defective. God owes me!