Unresponsive home button - software or hardware issue?

[redryder]

I used to think it was a hardware issue. My new ipad developed this problem about 3 months after purchase. I couldn't send it back for a replacement because I had dropped it once and there were some minor dents. I lived with it, used the accessibility options to simulate a soft home button.

When I updated to OS6 on launch day, the problem disappeared. The home button became as good as new. Now though, about a week in I can feel it is degrading again. Response is slightly delayed, and I suspect it will go to fully unresponsive eventually.

So does anyone know if the problem is a software issue? Seems like it from what I experienced.

 

[gbredneck]

Funnily enough i experienced the same with two refurbished ipad's at a customer last week.

IOS5 very poor response.

IOS6 installed, and its working again.

Not sure how reliable it will be, we've sent one back to apple for a swapout, the other one is going strong.

 

[Beta Particle]

This happened to me once or twice throughout the betas. Restarting the device a couple of times seemed to fix it and I haven't had it return since. I don't think it's a hardware issue.