Mexican Carrier Executive Claims iPhone 4 Hardware Revision Coming by End of September

[MacRumors]

CanalMX reports [Google translation] on comments from an executive at Mexican carrier Telcel claiming that Apple is set to release a revised version of the iPhone 4 by the end of September to address the highly-publicized antenna issue. Telcel began offering the iPhone 4 in Mexico last Friday as part of a quiet expansion that saw the device also come to the Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Portugal, and Slovakia.

According to Marco Quatorze, Telcel's Director of Value Added Services, the iPhone 4 sold in Mexico will initially be the same hardware as that sold in the U.S. and elsewhere, with Apple offering a free case to address potential issues with antenna performance. But he also noted that as of September 30th, when the free case program expires, revised hardware without the reception issues will become available.

The veracity of Quatorze's claim is unknown, as it is unclear whether a carrier executive at his level would even be privy to such information, and it is possible that he may simply be mistaken in his understanding of Apple's September 30th expiration date for the free case program. At Apple's iPhone 4 press conference last month, Steve Jobs noted that the free case program was launched with an initial expiration date of September 30th to provide the company with time to continue its investigation of the antenna issue and perhaps come up with a better solution for future customers.

Article Link: Mexican Carrier Executive Claims iPhone 4 Hardware Revision Coming by End of September

 

[ghostface147]

It would obviously have to be a very minor change since a major redesign isn't made in months. Then again, perhaps the Zetas are forcing this guy to say this or else. For me? Not a true rumor.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

I hope there is a change in the hardware, if only to shut the smug Apple fanboys up.

 

[ipedro]

Wasn't it obvious? Why would Apple set a deadline on the "iPhone case program" for September 30th if the problem would remain after that?

I predict that they'll add a coating to the antenna to reduce conductivity and replicate having a case on.

I've been holding off until September 30th to get an iPhone waiting to see Apple's next move.

 

[cwfrederick]

all apple needs to do is disconnect the little bottom piece from the rest of the antennae.

not that big of a deal.

 

[Saberon]

I believe it. Remember when that guy asked Jobs what happens at Sep 30 deadline? "We'll Re-evaluate"

 

[jayhawk11]

It would be a silent change if anything. No way in hell that they would piss off 5 million plus current owners by updating the hardware publicly.

 

[torbjoern]

I'm still hoping for the 64 GB iPhone to be released before my 3GS contract expires in the late December. And without that freaking glass at the back.

 

[iAttain]

Can we exchange our 'defective' iPhones for one of these then?

 

[CaryMacGuy]

I bet it will be an iPhone 4 with basically a permanently attached black bumper.

 

[JAT]

The veracity of Quatorze's claim is unknown,

Nominee for understatement of the year!

 

[derek1984]

But we were told there was no problem....

 

[JAT]

It would be a silent change if anything. No way in hell that they would piss off 5 million plus current owners by updating the hardware publicly.

Just take it in with a problem. They frequently just swap them out for new, anyway.

 

[torbjoern]

It would be a silent change if anything. No way in hell that they would piss off 5 million plus current owners by updating the hardware publicly.

If people would be pissed because of technical evolution, then they never did deserve an iPhone in the first place. Just like those who threw a fit 3 months after the release of iPhone 1g

 

[DiamondGCoupe]

Omg come on!! This is NOTTTTT happening. Apple would have pulled the iP4 long ago if it ever considered a hardware change. There are no issues with iP4. I get much better reception than I did with 3GS.

 

[OllyW]

It would be a silent change if anything. No way in hell that they would piss off 5 million plus current owners by updating the hardware publicly.

Yeah, no one will notice if they change the design on October 1st.

 

[ruckus]

I'm more interested in them addressing the proximity sensor issue. I don't think it will be fixable through software and it is a pretty big problem. It seems to be hit or miss with people experiencing it but I've had 2 iPhone 4s so far and both have had the problem.

 

[torbjoern]

Can we exchange our 'defective' iPhones for one of these then?

No.

Sent from my iPhone.

 

[iSamurai]

Just take it in with a problem. They frequently just swap them out for new, anyway.

They'll probably swap it with an existing stock lying around... good point though, but what "problem" can you think of?

 

[iGod 2.0]

Wow Telcel

I don't know about all that! Like I always say "I'll believe it when I see it."

 

[marcfogel]

It would be a silent change if anything. No way in hell that they would piss off 5 million plus current owners by updating the hardware publicly.

There is no way they could hide that.

 

[scaredpoet]

I hope there is a change in the hardware, if only to shut the smug Apple fanboys up.

Let's remember this post on September 30, when no hardware change materializes.

September 30 is nothing more than an end of the current quarter, nothing more. "We'll re-evaluate" means "we'll see then if want to write off more revenue on free cases the next quarter" not "new hardware OMG!"

 

[iGod 2.0]

Omg come on!! This is NOTTTTT happening. Apple would have pulled the iP4 long ago if it ever considered a hardware change. There are no issues with iP4. I get much better reception than I did with 3GS.

Yep, I'm with you on THAT one. Media had field day...

 

[ghostface147]

I predict that they'll add a coating to the antenna to reduce conductivity and replicate having a case on.

Adding a coating that can disable the conductivity of a human would be hard on stainless steel. It would have to be relatively thick. That's why scotch tape doesn't really work, it's too thin. Some people may claim it works, but I think that's more of a placebo.

 

[koobcamuk]

I hope there is a change in the hardware, if only to shut the smug Apple fanboys up.

Me too.