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After using for a while, its definitely better but I agree, not a complete fix, still having issues with activating speakerphone, but at least I didn't accidentally call someone.

Agreed. Initially it seems much improved. I have been able to activate the screen while on a call, but at a fraction of what I used to experience. This is a fantastic start. Maybe future updates will tweak it even slightly further. It doesn't seem as urgent though as this initial fix.
 
Agreed. Initially it seems much improved. I have been able to activate the screen while on a call, but at a fraction of what I used to experience. This is a fantastic start. Maybe future updates will tweak it even slightly further. It doesn't seem as urgent though as this initial fix.

So, as we all suspected (or most of us suspected), it is a hardware problem which is only partially ameliorated by a firmware "fix". Some people do not experience this problem (although I have, although not frequently at all - less than 5% of my calls). The question arises then, are the sensors the same in every case or is there some sensitivity issue with them in terms of how they are physically installed in the phone?

Just wondering.
 
So, as we all suspected (or most of us suspected), it is a hardware problem which is only partially ameliorated by a firmware "fix". Some people do not experience this problem (although I have, although not frequently at all - less than 5% of my calls). The question arises then, are the sensors the same in every case or is there some sensitivity issue with them in terms of how they are physically installed in the phone?

Just wondering.

I would say that the hardware from the previous model to the new one is different and required specific code for it. Just the shape of the sensor gives away that it isn't the same as the 3GS.
But with 4.1 I can now say my phone is perfect again. That one little flaw has driven me crazy, praying that it wasn't easily fixable.
 
I agree, it has improved but it is definitely NOT fixed. Using all the previous iPhones that i've had in the past as a benchmark, this software "fix" is a small assurance to hold people over until the next iPhone. The proximity sensor issue is a hardware issue that Apple doesn't want to admit. I still accidentally put people on speaker phone and dial random numbers, but it was worse before the 4.1GM update.
 
I noticed one particularly interesting improvement:

Previously, if the screen accidentally activated, it would often stay on until you pulled the device completely away and then bring it back again.

Now, if I wiggle the phone enough around to activate the screen (harder to do with 4.1 thankfully), it immediately goes off again. It's like the software is saying "hey, are you sure the screen should go back on?"
 
thankfully i haven't had any proximity sensor issues on my week 32, which leads me to believe it is indeed some sort of hardware issue.

i know people say "well it happens with a screen protector" or "greasy face", etc...but i'm here to say that i've used my phone bare, with no issues. then used it with screen protector without issue, and then got an otterbox and still have no issues.

and my face can get particularly greasy, i'm the type of person who washes their face a couple times a day ; )
 
I noticed a red light inside the proximity sensor while I was in a call. I saw it only because I have my lights off the my room. Is it just me or Im I seeing things?!
 
Heres a pic...
a79283b8.jpg
 
I wondered how long it would take for someone else to notice that... It was the first thing I noticed after making a call on iOS 4.1
 
Yes

installed GM last night. Not a dev. no problems installing. had 2 phone calls and both went without issue. very happy. i noticed that it wasn't flickering which it normally does. seems to be fixed for me.
 
yup confirmed

Iphone 4.0 running here

zero proximity sensor issues




I think you should make a different poll

"for those who had proximity issue problems, did the update fix your problem/work as the placebo you needed"
 
4.1 doesnt fix anything. Sure it may improve things, Ive made to few calls to give an estimate, but ive certainly made unwanted facecalls. Im thinking this is a hardware problem and im beginning to wonder if im gonna be able to deal with this **** untill iPhone 5, or if my old 3GS is going out of retirement. So far, I think iPhone 4 sucks. Its the worst apple product ive ever owned.
 
Sadly I see no improvement after doing an UPDATE to 4.1. Same exact issues. Maybe it's the shape of my head, but it's essentially the same. 1st call resulted in muting the call and facedialing. 2nd call ended in a face initiated hang up.

Once I have the time later today I'll do a RESTORE to 4.1 and retest. If i see anything different I'll post my findings.

This is the first time I've had to actually consider a hiatus from the iPhone. I can't be hanging up on clients.
 
I'm pretty sure the consensus is that u need to restore for new features and fixes to really take hold. After a 4.1 restore my phone works perfectly. It's like having a really square 3GS again :)
 
Darn it!

After thinking the problem was fixed, I experienced face dialing again just now. This happened while I was intentionally holding the phone against my shoulder. Fortunately, the screen would rapidly go black again.

So, definitely improved, but I would have to say not quite there yet.
 
Sadly I see no improvement after doing an UPDATE to 4.1. Same exact issues. Maybe it's the shape of my head, but it's essentially the same. 1st call resulted in muting the call and facedialing. 2nd call ended in a face initiated hang up.

Once I have the time later today I'll do a RESTORE to 4.1 and retest. If i see anything different I'll post my findings.

This is the first time I've had to actually consider a hiatus from the iPhone. I can't be hanging up on clients.

Well, i did the restore, and if it's possible, I actually think it's worse. I just had a phone call with my dad, where I hand held the phone hard against my ear, ensuring no gap like "shouldering" would give, and the call dropped 3 times due to face initiated screen presses.

Maybe there is a deeper hardware issue with my handset, but sadly I think this isn't the case. It looks like Apple finally got hit with the first case where form has impacted function.
 
Well, i did the restore, and if it's possible, I actually think it's worse. I just had a phone call with my dad, where I hand held the phone hard against my ear, ensuring no gap like "shouldering" would give, and the call dropped 3 times due to face initiated screen presses.

Maybe there is a deeper hardware issue with my handset, but sadly I think this isn't the case. It looks like Apple finally got hit with the first case where form has impacted function.

OK, so what is it then? Are there some quality control issues with the proximity sensor in the 4? Is it sensitive to installation? Some people don't have it at all, others have it sometimes or almost all the time and others, like myself, have had it occasionally. Overall, I am happy with my 4 but clearly Apple QC and testing is in the crapper.
 
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