[Merged] iPhone 4 "Silent Upgrade" / "Running Change" rumors

[Knowimagination]

What you said may be true... but are you sure you aren't justifying to yourself your early purchase by denying possible hardware revisions down the line and downplaying/counter arguing those who speak about the antenna issue?

Don't be so naive. And don't be so worried about your early purchase to the point of being defensive. IF they revise the hardware, you can always pull out your warranty card. Our whole family and a few of my best friends lined up for the 3GS on the day of release (for 5 hours). We all got 16gb (minus one person who got the 32). 8 of us had yellow screens while 1 had a "perceived as" nicer and whiter screen. I came to macrumors and the yellow screen issue blew up in the forums.

Guess what... all 9 of us (including the one with the "good screen") had to replace our phones for one reason or another within 6 months (battery, home button loose, popped out hold button etc). Not a single one of those warranty refurb phones had a yellow screen. Not ONE. The yellow screen may not have been an issue... but the internet made it so. And I'm pretty sure it was "stealth fixed" as the buzz disappeared over time. Alas, we all ended up with a perfect phone... albeit 6 months later.

Just be happy that Apple is so good about replacements within the warranty period. It may not always be like this in the future.

No need for me to justify i have always had good luck with iphones i have actually never had any reason to even meet with apple genius let alone get a refurb unit.

I just feel like people are crossing their fingers for a fix when they could have been enjoying the same phone from now until next year rather than waiting in hopes that there is a fix coming soon when there most likely isn't.

 

[thales]

No need for me to justify i have always had good luck with iphones i have actually never had any reason to even meet with apple genius let alone get a refurb unit.

I just feel like people are crossing their fingers for a fix when they could have been enjoying the same phone from now until next year rather than waiting in hopes that there is a fix coming soon when there most likely isn't.

I'm happy with my 3G, I certainly don't "need" any of the 4's features, although they would be nice to have. It's not like I'm missing out big time on anything by waiting. There is no finger crossing or hoping going on here. I'm just trying to think it through reasonably and objectively. Every rational bone in my body tells me that Apple isn't in a position to do nothing. They either have to offer free cases indefinitely or fix the phone. Since they've made it clear they aren't offering free cases indefinitely, their next move seems rather obvious.

 

[dabomb665m]

No need for me to justify i have always had good luck with iphones i have actually never had any reason to even meet with apple genius let alone get a refurb unit.

I just feel like people are crossing their fingers for a fix when they could have been enjoying the same phone from now until next year rather than waiting in hopes that there is a fix coming soon when there most likely isn't.

Fair enough... I take back what I said. You have to understand that the Hope you are referring to is because we really want the iPhone 4. My 2g was perfect... 3g was perfect... 3GS... not so much but I was still satisfied because nothing was game breaking. It's become almost a yearly routine to upgrade to the newest iPhone. Perhaps other people are in the same shoes as me... in that they are just dumbstruck/shocked to be thrown off their routine. I know that's how I'm taking all this.

 

[thales]

You have to understand that the Hope you are referring to is because we really want the iPhone 4.

I can agree with this. We aren't here to troll or badmouth the iphone. I'm actually one of the people that defended the lack of MMS/C&P/video on iOS 2.x back when the 3G came out. But deliberate software/feature choices are different from accidental design imperfections. I don't want anything to do with the latter. But since I still want an iP4, I will wait until they fix it.

 

[Knowimagination]

Fair enough i can appreciate that desire. I would say however that it could be very likely that after sept 30th they reevaluate the situation and continue to offer free cases through dec 31st. If that is the case will it be acceptable to you, or will you simply wait for iphone 5? If the case offer continues after the 30th will you have regretted your wait?

 

[thales]

Fair enough i can appreciate that desire. I would say however that it could be very likely that after sept 30th they reevaluate the situation and continue to offer free cases through dec 31st. If that is the case will it be acceptable to you, or will you simply wait for iphone 5? If the case offer continues after the 30th will you have regretted your wait?

If the 30th rolls around and there is no permanent production fix, I'll pick up a 3GS simply because I want to sell my 3G unlocked on ebay while I can still get ~$200 for it.

 

[nikhsub1]

If there is a problem with my iPhone 4 and after sep 30th, they fix it, then I would like the option to get one of those instead of my defective one. I'm worried most about resale value.

I can see the ebay pages now: "iPhone 4 - post sep 30 antenna fixed" going for more money vs "iPhone 4 pre sep 30 with free bumper"

Wow this amazes me. Being so concerned about resale value is not only ridiculous, but I would go so far as to say if that is a concern, you should not buy the phone in the first place as you can't afford it.

 

[dabomb665m]

Fair enough i can appreciate that desire. I would say however that it could be very likely that after sept 30th they reevaluate the situation and continue to offer free cases through dec 31st. If that is the case will it be acceptable to you, or will you simply wait for iphone 5? If the case offer continues after the 30th will you have regretted your wait?

Good question... with my brother is using the black 4 and it's causing issues (without a case) very specific to my usage habits (left hand phone calls, right hand typing/navigating.... both held on left hand in a natural way that covers the dreaded spot). I've come to the conclusion that if they don't fix it, the only way for me to use an iPhone 4 would be to have a case.

Seeing as I'm waiting for the white this time around and availability will probably be scarce, I'd say a little more waiting won't do any harm to just see what happens. Until then my 3GS will have to do.

I am also privy to some info about what's been going on internally at Apple, but of course this is a forum and I'm not here to prove anything to anyone. Let's just say that working in the bay area for a major cell phone company makes for a small circle of experts. Apple is paying $1000 an hour to some of these contract experts in order for them to develop "feasible" solutions. Take that info as you will... I wont be commenting or proving it as there is really no point on a public forum to do so.

 

[dabomb665m]

Wow this amazes me. Being so concerned about resale value is not only ridiculous, but I would go so far as to say if that is a concern, you should not buy the phone in the first place as you can't afford it.

Perhaps I can suggest to you an alternate form of thought...

It's no coincidence that wealth usually goes hand in hand with your ability to handle your finances. There is a reason the wealthiest people on the planet stay wealthy. Hint: they don't waste money. As the ancient chinese saying goes... "One can always make money. It's one's ability to hold on to it that counts".

 

[thales]

Perhaps I can suggest to you an alternate form of thought...

It's no coincidence that wealth usually goes hand in hand with your ability to handle your finances. There is a reason the wealthiest people on the planet stay wealthy. Hint: they don't waste money. As the ancient chinese saying goes... "One can always make money. It's one's ability to hold on to it that counts".

"If you're worried about resale value, then you can't afford it in the first place" is not an argument worthy of a response. You should have just let him stay in his fantasy land

 

[dabomb665m]

"If you're worried about resale value, then you can't afford it in the first place" is not an argument worthy of a response. You should have just let him stay in his fantasy land

What can I say... I'm a philanthropist by nature.

 

[samcraig]

They won't redesign the i4. Period. If there are any changes, you'll see them in the 4_whatever or 5. Apple believes (regardless of whether you do or you do not) that their current design is without fault or within acceptable "loss"

To redesign would be to admit fault. They aren't/won't do that.

 

[dabomb665m]

They won't redesign the i4. Period. If there are any changes, you'll see them in the 4_whatever or 5. Apple believes (regardless of whether you do or you do not) that their current design is without fault or within acceptable "loss"

To redesign would be to admit fault. They aren't/won't do that.

I agree, a redesign is not happening until 5. But a "feasible" solution doesn't necessarily mean redesign. There are ways, trust me. It can be done without the public noticing anything different about the physical appearance of the phone.

 

[skiltrip]

They won't redesign the i4. Period. If there are any changes, you'll see them in the 4_whatever or 5. Apple believes (regardless of whether you do or you do not) that their current design is without fault or within acceptable "loss"

To redesign would be to admit fault. They aren't/won't do that.

I agree with this. I believe Apple has said what they are going to say on this for now. The Sept 30th thing everyone is reading into was nothing but a free bumper/case deadline, just to keep Apple from having to mail out bumpers to everyone forever. At that point they may package them with the new iPhone 4's. But who knows.

I can only imagine the kind of *****-storm that would arise if they "secretly" did any modification at this point. Cause it would stay secret until the first one was sold, cause you know all the usual suspects would be just waiting to test out any and all iPhones released in Oct.

The last thing Apple wants is another crap-storm. This was enough of a pain in their arse I think. They said what they had to say, threw the whole smartphone industry under the bus by "exposing" the industry-wide problem that needs a solution (the antenna attenuation). They are done. Until next summer.

 

[wirelessmacuser]

Unfortunately it seems that question has been answered. Although he went on and on, whining about this & that, and pointing fingers at other brands. The bottom line is typical Apple. He essentially told his customers to shove it. Oh, and here's a token chunk of plastic for you.

 

[Dr Kevorkian94]

i really think they wouldn't do anything, they don't see it as a real problem so they will wait till iPhone 5

 

[aneftp]

I am also privy to some info about what's been going on internally at Apple, but of course this is a forum and I'm not here to prove anything to anyone. Let's just say that working in the bay area for a major cell phone company makes for a small circle of experts. Apple is paying $1000 an hour to some of these contract experts in order for them to develop "feasible" solutions. Take
that info as you will... I wont be commenting or proving it as there is really no point on a public forum to do so.

The only people who demand $1000/hr are expensive lawyers. Apple is probably going the lawyer route to avoid potential class action lawsuits. I think they are covered with their current policy. Giving people 30 days to return product or using bumpers.

An antenna redesign is not cost effective since they are already in the middle of testing iPhone 5 already.

If they do institute some tyoe of stealth coating antenna production and only replace iPhones as needed, that would be a other cost effective option rather than a total recall.

Frankly I don't have an antenna issue. I have a proximity sensor issue and apple said they would fix that with software.

 

[8theapple]

The only people who demand $1000/hr are expensive lawyers. Apple is probably going the lawyer route to avoid potential class action lawsuits. I think they are covered with their current policy. Giving people 30 days to return product or using bumpers.

An antenna redesign is not cost effective since they are already in the middle of testing iPhone 5 already.

If they do institute some tyoe of stealth coating antenna production and only replace iPhones as needed, that would be a other cost effective option rather than a total recall.

Frankly I don't have an antenna issue. I have a proximity sensor issue and apple said they would fix that with software.

You are making strong assumptions.

What if the body and physical dynamics of the iPhone 5 are the exact same as the iPhone 4 (ie. Iphone 3g -> 3GS)?

Fixing the antenna now will be a cost saving measure for the future.

Q: Why the September 30th deadline for free cases?
A: Steve: It's so we can re-evaluate. We don't know what solutions may come up by then.

Q: Regarding free case offer, will it extend outside U.S., and will it be extended past September 30th?
A: Steve: Yes, and we'll evaluate things as far as any possible extension.

From Jobs himself. They are going to re-evaluate things come September 30th. For those who say there won't be a fix are those who currently own an iPhone 4 that will have buyers remorse when the "fixed" iPhone 4 is available.

If free cases appeases the vocal minority, then Jobs would have extended the free case offer for the life of the iPhone 4 until the iPhone 5, not just till the end of the fiscal quarter for Apple.

Once the phone goes international, this problem will only be magnified on a larger scale.

Something is definitely in the works.

 

[samcraig]

You are making strong assumptions.

What if the body and physical dynamics of the iPhone 5 are the exact same as the iPhone 4 (ie. Iphone 3g -> 3GS)?

Fixing the antenna now will be a cost saving measure for the future.

Q: Why the September 30th deadline for free cases?
A: Steve: It's so we can re-evaluate. We don't know what solutions may come up by then.

Q: Regarding free case offer, will it extend outside U.S., and will it be extended past September 30th?
A: Steve: Yes, and we'll evaluate things as far as any possible extension.

From Jobs himself. They are going to re-evaluate things come September 30th. For those who say there won't be a fix are those who currently own an iPhone 4 that will have buyers remorse when the "fixed" iPhone 4 is available.

If free cases appeases the vocal minority, then Jobs would have extended the free case offer for the life of the iPhone 4 until the iPhone 5, not just till the end of the fiscal quarter for Apple.

Something is definitely in the works.

Feel free to live in that dream. Either the iPhone 4 will come with a case. Or they will simply extend the free case offer by mail. Or maybe they'll just not offer a free case at all. Those are pretty much the options.

If they alter the design of the phone they will have lawsuits aplenty coupled with a whole new media crapstorm. It's not a question of buyer's remorse. A new design with the iPhone 4 (not 4.5 or whatever the next phone is) would be an admittance of a problem. And it would also entitle people to a refund or exchange the second it hit the stores.

 

[tjwaggoner]

I agree, a redesign is not happening until 5. But a "feasible" solution doesn't necessarily mean redesign. There are ways, trust me. It can be done without the public noticing anything different about the physical appearance of the phone.

Then what do they say after iFixit tears a new one down and shows everyone that they DID have a problem that needed fixed and posts before and after pics on the internet? It would be a massacre. I have no problem with mine, LOVE IT. I always have and probably always will use a case, actually mine had the case put on before I even used it, honest.

Face it people, they are not going to redesign this phone in sept. or now or anytime before officially launching the new model.

 

[dabomb665m]

Then what do they say after iFixit tears a new one down and shows everyone that they DID have a problem that needed fixed and posts before and after pics on the internet? It would be a massacre. I have no problem with mine, LOVE IT. I always have and probably always will use a case, actually mine had the case put on before I even used it, honest.

Face it people, they are not going to redesign this phone in sept. or now or anytime before officially launching the new model.

Easy... the fix won't change any components. It'll be a simple coating/material type fix... that is what I hear anyhow. The $1000/hr I mentioned earlier is not for lawyers but for the top antenna expert in the US. When the public finds out, Apple will simply spin it again and remind everyone that bought the release iPhone that Apple takes care of their customers and that those people are under warranty. If they are within the x% that have issues (trivial small number that somehow apple generates and feeds to the public), they are more than welcomed to exercise their right for an exchange unit because Apple cares.

The new phones and future refurbished phones won't have anymore issues and the news/blogs about the problem will slowly disappear. Look at how died down the whole issue has been this weekend after the press release... strategically chosen for friday. Just watch, come monday, we'll be seeing a lot more news regarding this issue... either from more tech experts or from other cell phone companies.

 

[Sinfire]

Then what do they say after iFixit tears a new one down and shows everyone that they DID have a problem that needed fixed and posts before and after pics on the internet? It would be a massacre. I have no problem with mine, LOVE IT. I always have and probably always will use a case, actually mine had the case put on before I even used it, honest.

Face it people, they are not going to redesign this phone in sept. or now or anytime before officially launching the new model.

They won't redesign the phone, but there is nothing stopping them from making revisions to the phone. Either adding a piece, removing a piece, using better parts, etc. It happens all the time

 

[Kendio7]

Think I'm gonna wait till September 30th, see what happens.

 

[whocaresit]

Think I'm gonna wait till September 30th, see what happens.

Same here. I want my iPhone 4 to be a perfect device without any (even the slightest) troubles.

 

[poiurewqfdsa]

im really late to the party here...so does the calls/signal drop ONLY WHEN you touch that black gap on the left hand side or is it when you pretty much touch any part of the phone and you'll get these issues
(i think that the antennae is on the left, so this issue restricts to the left side?)