Other iPhone 4 Press Conference Notes: Over 3 Million Sold, White Models Coming, International Releases July 30th

[Kieranic]

I wish he would have spent more time talking about a real solution, not showing off competitor phones.

Like only 2 minutes was spent doing that... thats 6% of the keynote.

I think it's really good that Jobs has proved it's not only the iPhone 4. Nothing in this world is perfect.

3 million sold? wow. I guess that's why apple didn't want to reimburse 3rd party case. Imagine 1,000,000 case x $29. That's $29million apple will have to write off. And imagine bring them a receipt of $99 for a case to be reimbursed. lol

Apple just said they care a lot about their users so chances are they don't care (considering that could be made back with sales from the Mac, iPhone, iPod, iPad etc etc)

 

[LondonCentral]

WHY ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID?? :|

IF you don't like the phone, RETURN IT for a FULL refund. It can't be simpler.

I've watched the video and I have to say I NOW realize just how unfairly vitriolic some of the 'reports' from Gizmodo et al have been. Even the BBC reported the iPhone 4 as having a confirmed 'glitch' this evening.

All those not satisfied with your iPhone 4, please... PLEASE return the damn thing and get on with your lives.

I'm still eager to get my white iPhone with green bumper.

 

[gruntersdad]

3 million sold? wow. I guess that's why apple didn't want to reimburse 3rd party case. Imagine 1,000,000 case x $29. That's $29million apple will have to write off. And imagine bring them a receipt of $99 for a case to be reimbursed. lol

If you buy 3 million cases from anyone, rest assured they won't cost 29.99 each. Maybe 1.99. Do you really think it costs Apple 29.99 to make a rubber bumper. And only the rubber bumper cost will be reimbursed if you have previously paid for one. Again, misinformation, I guess is why this forum is called MacRumors. Listen to the presentation one more time...from the beginning.

 

[gehrbox]

WHY ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID?? :|

IF you don't like the phone, RETURN IT for a FULL refund. It can't be simpler.

I've watched the video and I have to say I NOW realize just how unfairly vitriolic some of the 'reports' from Gizmodo et al have been. Even the BBC reported the iPhone 4 as having a confirmed 'glitch' this evening.

All those not satisfied with your iPhone 4, please... PLEASE return the damn thing and get on with your lives.

I'm still eager to get my white iPhone with green bumper.

You had me convinced until you mentioned green on white! Wasn't right with Capt Kirk and it ain't right on an iPhone

 

[iEdd]

Saying that "all smartphones" suffers from antenna issues is a total crutch.

Fact is they may, however they shouldn't. Instead of striving to make a perfect device Apple and almost all other tech companies just try to make something better then the norm. Then giving us reasons to settle, instead of fixing the problem.

Yep, they are certainly a bunch of d-bags for not fixing those broken laws of physics that won't allow EMR to travel unimpeded through any medium.

Not at all happy with todays conference.

Eh, it was a hell of a lot better than expected IMO. The fact you can get a full refund with no questions asked should've been enough, except for the "World owes me something" crowd. The demos, stats and giving out free bumpers is going ABOVE an average response.

Still not wanting an iPhone4

No one will hold that against you. There are plenty of phones I don't want but I haven't felt the need to post on all the various forums saying that I don't want one.

So white models are coming, and July 30 for more international releases. Are they happening together? Or is USA getting white models and the new countries only getting black for now? Hmmm.

 

[pbrooks]

Although Apple is providing full refunds and/or free cases, Apple is still not addressing the problem...just providing a workaround. Granted many people may not know or care about the problem once they have a free case.

Here are some points to ponder:

1)Apple claims 3million iPhone 4 phones sold...yet only 0.55% of them have been returned for "antenna problems". Well, a)that's still 15,500 people and b)how many people have had their iPhones long enough to notice the problem AND HAVE TIME to return it or complain? I know several people who ordered phones weeks ago and they were just arriving yesterday and today.

2)The 0.55% seems extremely low...I'm sure with all this media fuss and Apple's emergency PR meeting, there were more than 0.55% returns due to antenna problems (and/or Apple expecting huge customer complaint numbers once everyone actually received their iPhone 4 and had a few days to use it). I would bet by end of July when every customer actually has had the iPhone for more than a week this 0.55% would be up towards the 10% range...but we'll never know...and we'll never know about (since today's conference) how much sweet talking Apple will do to future customers trying to return it (probably "hey, take the case and we'll give you ANOTHER 30 days to return it...pretty please?").

3)The iPhone 3GS has been for sale for 9+ months...with a return rate of 6%...iPhone 4 has been for sale for 22 days and a return rate of 0.55%...you can't compare these 2 percentages. Let's hear what Apple has to say 9 months from now on iPhone 4 returns.


Hey, I like the iPhone 4 (I have the 3GS)...but today's PR was just simply a rehash of Apple's "return it if you don't like it" policy and Apple will waive the restocking fee. Oh, and you also get a free bumper/case that costs Apple about $3 to produce. And did you see/hear how many times Apple said they love their customers? I'm sure that's true...but this workaround a)hides the sexiness of the new iPhone 4G and b)doesn't fix the root cause of the problem (poor design).

How the iPhone 4 shipped with this problem is a matter Apple is furious about...and is doing a great job belittling it. You can't tell me all the developers/testers/beta users/etc. didn't notice this problem. Not a single person?

My gut says that within a few months there will be some kind of recall or even a very very very quiet Rev2. Personally I don't understand why my finger located over a spot kills the reception...but put a piece of rubber between my finger and the same spot and it all works fine.

-Eric

How can you get the facts SO wrong? In one breath, you misuse the 0.55% figure in TWO different ways! Jobs refered to 0.55% as the percentage of IP4 buyers who have made calls to Apple Support complaining about the antenna issue. And that would work out to 16,500 calls.

The percent of IP4 returns in the past 22 days was 1.7%, compared to 6% with the 3GS.

 

[gruntersdad]

The way they have handled this whole issue shows what a great company this is. Apple is driven by the pursuit of excellence!

I am tired of those who insist on disparaging this great company - they are pathetic, jealous little individuals and or ego maniacs with entitlement mentality.

Two questions remain for me. Why is this the only phone they sold a case for? A rubber bumper at that. They knew it would solve their problem of course. So they did know in advance. And two, the .55 percent of the people that called about antenna problems is low in my opinion, because enough people knew about "a problem" and just waited to see what apple would do. If Apple had continued to deny a problem that number would have grown for sure. Steve did seem like he was about to cry a few times as if how dare anyone blog negatively about his products. Still not the best PR performance for my money.

 

[FarNorth]

How can you get the facts SO wrong? In one breath, you misuse the 0.55% figure in TWO different ways! Jobs refered to 0.55% as the percentage of IP4 buyers who have made calls to Apple Support complaining about the antenna issue. And that would work out to 16,500 calls.

The percent of IP4 returns in the past 22 days was 1.7%, compared to 6% with the 3GS.

Not all the returns are because of performance issues. Some took them back to wait for a white 4, some simply changed their minds.

 

[RalfTheDog]

I have been playing with the baseband code and have found a software solution. The problem comes when the antenna is grounded out or the capacitance of the human body detunes it.

The key is to power down the amplifier tied to the antenna when a call is made. With the amps killed, no RF energy is transmitted or received from the phone. Thus any detuning will be irrelevant.

I have found some problem with dropped calls using the modified code. I think the best solution will be to remove the RF circuitry and replace it with a cable that connects to the POTS network or your local cable company.

 

[RalfTheDog]

How can you get the facts SO wrong? In one breath, you misuse the 0.55% figure in TWO different ways! Jobs refered to 0.55% as the percentage of IP4 buyers who have made calls to Apple Support complaining about the antenna issue. And that would work out to 16,500 calls.

The percent of IP4 returns in the past 22 days was 1.7%, compared to 6% with the 3GS.

A surprising number of people have brought their phone back, not because they are having service problems, but because someone told them they are having service problems.

 

[macerroneous]

But seriously, folks

My associate received his 4 yesterday. We are unable to make any bars drop, even though he's on os 4.0. So, is it possible some phones are defective, or could it be that the phone fails because of added apps that are running (facebook?) in the background? I am now convinced that only a minority have a problem. 2%? It's really weird.

 

[RalfTheDog]

My associate received his 4 yesterday. We are unable to make any bars drop, even though he's on os 4.0. So, is it possible some phones are defective, or could it be that the phone fails because of added apps that are running (facebook?) in the background? I am now convinced that only a minority have a problem. 2%? It's really weird.

You can only see the problem if you are in a fringe signal area. If you have a moderate to strong signal, the drop will not be enough to show fewer bars.

 

[Random Chaos]

Saying that "all smartphones" suffers from antenna issues is a total crutch.

Fact is they may, however they shouldn't. Instead of striving to make a perfect device Apple and almost all other tech companies just try to make something better then the norm. Then giving us reasons to settle, instead of fixing the problem. Not at all happy with todays conference. Still not wanting an iPhone4

Your statement that they shouldn't suffer antenna issues is counter to the laws of physics. However, the iPhone does suffer a secondary antenna issue that could have been prevented.

If you look at how an antenna works, it acts by attenuating the electrical signal caused by electron stimulation due to impacting photons in a metal rod of fixed length. The length of the rod directly correlates to which frequency/wavelength of photons are most optimal for this electron stimulation. There are two items that principally affect signal strength on any antenna:

1. Modification of the conductive length of the antenna. This directly affects the frequency response of the antenna, causing the wavelength that results in optimal gain to change. This can be caused by a physical contact between the hand and the antenna without sufficient insulated separation.

2. The effect of the hand on interfering with signal transmission due to effects similar to that of a Faraday Cage (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage). This issue affects all cell phones that are held, but is more prone to affect those phones with antennas that cover a smaller physical area (such as phones that use fractal antennas, which is most phones).

In Apple's demo, only the iPhone is especially susceptible to 1.This is because the iPhone has an uninsulated external antenna, and in fact, has multiple antennas that can have the gap bridged by the conductive surface of a human hand, causing a significant change in the frequency of optimal gain.

All cell phones are susceptible to 2, though the iPhone less so due to it's larger antenna. This is because most cell phones actually use a fractal antenna to reduce size, placing it inside the phone. Fractal antennas are generally very small, often smaller than the tip of a human finger. Apple's solution, while making 1 a significant issue, actually helps reduce the Faraday Cage issue by utilizing a much larger antenna, which in turn is harder to block in the normal process of gripping a phone. So while mitigating one issue, they caused another issue.

Apple's solution (free cases, free bumpers) should solve the issue from the standpoint that they add an insulation layer between the conductive antenna and the hand, preventing a change in the frequency of optimal gain, and limiting the issue only to affect 2 above.

This is a design flaw (the antenna should have been insulated) but it is an easy fix with a bumper.

 

[iEdd]

The key is to power down the amplifier tied to the antenna when a call is made. With the amps killed, no RF energy is transmitted or received from the phone. Thus any detuning will be irrelevant.

Erm...

 

[Hitchophilia]

Am I the only one that saw this as one of the most pathetic press conferences ever?

No. I agree.

For over 30 minutes SJ told us why are problem isn't a problem, but hey, for those of you that still think it is I'll give you a free case.

I personally don't think the reception is a problem for the iPhone 4, for the record.

Now, there was way too much "I rather you thank me, and be on your way" from Mr Jobs.

I was mildly amused at someone who rarely gets "told off" being forced to hold a press conference to grovel/appease his users. Especially as he personally thinks it's a beat up and non issue created by people who don't respect his vision.

However, there was also an at times an all to obvious reticent, nasty and condescending tone to Mr Jobs performance which betrayed his feigned humility. Best example was near the end where he indignantly asked, "Now is that clear?". Reminded me of a school master chastising a student; except this was Mr Jobs chastising the media, web site bloggers and the users who he loves.

Anyway, just update the Mac Pro

 

[steapp]

I'm still eager to get my white iPhone with green bumper.

White with green bumper??? Sounds like a brilliant design combo.
Hopefully the green is more chartreuse !!!

Then you can hang out at the bar under the halogens listening
to tek-house receiving calls.

 

[TripHop]

And On What Day Will White Orders Start To Be Taken?

... So white models are coming, and July 30 for more international releases. Are they happening together? Or is USA getting white models and the new countries only getting black for now? Hmmm.

And On What Day Will White Orders Start To Be Taken? How could not one of those journalists in the room not asked that question? We have to keep checking the Apple Store app every hour of every day between now and when because no one's answering that simple and most obvious question?

 

[steapp]

I have been playing with the baseband code and have found a software solution. The problem comes when the antenna is grounded out or the capacitance of the human body detunes it.

The key is to power down the amplifier tied to the antenna when a call is made. With the amps killed, no RF energy is transmitted or received from the phone. Thus any detuning will be irrelevant.

I have found some problem with dropped calls using the modified code. I think the best solution will be to remove the RF circuitry and replace it with a cable that connects to the POTS network or your local cable company.

Too funny !!! Do different BMIs affect the "detun(ing)"??

 

[Seoras]

why south korea left out? because of partner samsung?

I'm surprised no one has point this out yet but "4" is considered extremely unluckly in East Asia.
Particularly South Korea.
Stay in a hotel in Seoul and you'll find no 4th floor (or 13th).
The Korean word for "death" sounds very like the Korean word for "4".

So I just don't see iPhone4 being a hit in that country due to it's numerology.
Or China, who are equally superstitious about the number 4.

I'm sure Apple are now starting to agree with the "unlucky number 4" superstition.

 

[palmerc]

Bumpers

Two questions remain for me. Why is this the only phone they sold a case for? A rubber bumper at that. They knew it would solve their problem of course. So they did know in advance. And two, the .55 percent of the people that called about antenna problems is low in my opinion, because enough people knew about "a problem" and just waited to see what apple would do. If Apple had continued to deny a problem that number would have grown for sure. Steve did seem like he was about to cry a few times as if how dare anyone blog negatively about his products. Still not the best PR performance for my money.

"They knew that."

Not necessarily. I can see you have jumped to that conclusion but that isn't logically so. There are tons of reasons why they would want to get into the case business. One powerful motivator is that the case business is pure profit after tooling, and design.

During the presentation you watched but didn't listen to he stated 80% of users walked out with a case when they purchased an iPhone 3GS. He also stated that the iPhone 4 came out without enough warning for case manufacturers to ramp up production. This has led to a scenario where 20% of users walked out with a case and Apple couldn't keep up with demand by itself. This is why he said the free offer applied to third-party cases they sell.

Gravy. Every case they sell is pure profit and if you expect 80+% of users to have one that is a huge market. They would be passing up a major opportunity for free cash if they didn't explore the market a little.

"0.55%"

Is it low? It is. Is it accurate? It is as accurate as it can be. Hard data is hard to come by. Certainly, based upon the blogosphere we can assume the rate is 50%. However, Apple as an engineering company isn't going to take the blogosphere's word for it. They want hard data not some guy's word for it. So the Applecare number, and the AT&T dropped call rate is the best they have right now in a product that is three weeks old.

"Obama Hater"

I noticed amongst the assets in your signature you included Obama Hater. I am wondering if you listen to the news and media with equal attentiveness to Jobs presentation and to what extent that informs your political opinions. You assume a conspiracy where there are perfectly logical explanations to the contrary.

In the future, whether it be politics or technology give the presenter the benefit of the doubt. These problems are complicated and there is no silver bullet for them. You are stuck in an imperfect world where people are doing the best they can. Try and keep that in mind.

 

[SensaiMinstixs]

Love the video

I just love the iPhone 4 antenna song because its so funny and true.

If you don't like the new iPhone don't buy one.

If you have one and don't like it, just return it.

but we know you won't.

 

[Thex1138]

How can you get the facts SO wrong? In one breath, you misuse the 0.55% figure in TWO different ways! Jobs refered to 0.55% as the percentage of IP4 buyers who have made calls to Apple Support complaining about the antenna issue. And that would work out to 16,500 calls.

The percent of IP4 returns in the past 22 days was 1.7%, compared to 6% with the 3GS.

Easy... he does not have access to raw data
..and suffers meglahysteria disorder.

 

[gruntersdad]

"They knew that."

Not necessarily. I can see you have jumped to that conclusion but that isn't logically so. There are tons of reasons why they would want to get into the case business. One powerful motivator is that the case business is pure profit after tooling, and design.

During the presentation you watched but didn't listen to he stated 80% of users walked out with a case when they purchased an iPhone 3GS. He also stated that the iPhone 4 came out without enough warning for case manufacturers to ramp up production. This has led to a scenario where 20% of users walked out with a case and Apple couldn't keep up with demand by itself. This is why he said the free offer applied to third-party cases they sell.

Gravy. Every case they sell is pure profit and if you expect 80+% of users to have one that is a huge market. They would be passing up a major opportunity for free cash if they didn't explore the market a little.

"0.55%"

Is it low? It is. Is it accurate? It is as accurate as it can be. Hard data is hard to come by. Certainly, based upon the blogosphere we can assume the rate is 50%. However, Apple as an engineering company isn't going to take the blogosphere's word for it. They want hard data not some guy's word for it. So the Applecare number, and the AT&T dropped call rate is the best they have right now in a product that is three weeks old.

"Obama Hater"

I noticed amongst the assets in your signature you included Obama Hater. I am wondering if you listen to the news and media with equal attentiveness to Jobs presentation and to what extent that informs your political opinions. You assume a conspiracy where there are perfectly logical explanations to the contrary.

In the future, whether it be politics or technology give the presenter the benefit of the doubt. These problems are complicated and there is no silver bullet for them. You are stuck in an imperfect world where people are doing the best they can. Try and keep that in mind.

I'll keep that in mind, however, your response doesn't answer my question about the case. And I did hear Steve mention the cases bought at the same time. The question was, why is this the first phone that APPLE made a case for? Apple didn't make bumpers for 1, 2 or 3G(s). In the Q&A Steve answers the question of what they knew and when they knew it. He laughed at Bloomberg, but then went out of his way, to almost say "there is no problem," but we just happen to make a bumper for this phone. I love apple products as my signature will attest. I believe Steve Jobs to a point although he seemed put out that he had to defend his products problem. with a 100,000,000.00 testing facility for antenna, you fix the problem. You don't go in search for other phones with the same problem and go, " there, see." As for Obama I do hate his politics and always will and do listen to the news and Steves presentations very carefully and that is why I wrote what I wrote. I'm no conspiracy theorist but when I see something wrong or fishy I seek out the smell. I haven't had any issues with my iPhone 4 but will still contribute to the forum and the subjects at hand with free will and clear conscience. Attentively yours, Johnny

p.s. Like me, the 80 percent of case buyers bought the case for protection of the phone, not antenna issues. the bumper was made, in my opinion for the iPhone 4 and not others, because of the antenna issue.

 

[KJ500]

Am I the only one that saw this as one of the most pathetic press conferences ever? For over 30 minutes SJ told us why are problem isn't a problem, but hey, for those of you that still think it is I'll give you a free case.

I wish he would have spent more time talking about a real solution, not showing off competitor phones.

I expect more out of Apple I guess. They just dropped a notch for me.

An arrogant Steve is usually a good thing. This time, not so much.

 

[MacFly123]

Call me crazy, but Apple being very coy about the September 30th date says to me that there really may be a Verizon iPhone coming this fall for the holidays! They might make a minor revision to the AT&T model like a protective transparent coating around the band or something at that time. Otherwise both phones would be the same except for cell chips obviously. Then next year will be the 4G world phone!

Mark my words people!

P.S. Why the crap didn't anyone at the press conference ask them why they can't just put a coating around the band??? I'm also upset they cut the Q&A out of the video they posted of the event!

Either way, I have had my iPhone 4 for 5 days with no problems and I love it! But it just stands to reason, if the bumpers and cases help, why not just put an invisible clear coating of some sort around the band??? Just seems so logical and simple and cheap for that matter!