MacDailyNews Take: So, perhaps our source was right after all?
Dilger continues, “Readers report that Apple’s tech support forums originally confirmed that a iOS 4.0.1 software fix addressing the issue would ship early next week (as early as Monday), before the comments were subsequently taken down along with all the other related discussion about the matter.”
“The fix is expected to address a issue in iOS 4 related to radio frequency calibration of the baseband,” Dilger reports. “Readers who saw the original forum discussions say that the issue is believed to occur when switching frequencies; because the lag is allegedly not calibrated correctly, it results in the device reporting “no service” rather than switching to the frequency with the best signal to noise ratio.”
“iOS 4 introduced some enhancements to how the baseband selects which frequencies to use, so it makes sense that the error may have crept into those changes,” Dilger reports. “Additionally, this explains why iOS 4 has also caused similar problems for iPhone 3GS users.”
Dilger reports, “Additional readers have shared other related experiences that also corroborate the idea that the issue is related to iOS 4’s software control of the baseband, including the fact that the issue seems easily reproducible when connecting to a WWAN 3G network but does not appear when connecting to a Microcell 3G. If the problem were simply hardware related issues of the antenna design, it should only affect iPhone 4 units with that new design and should occur at all times, regardless of the tower type. That is not being observed.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We reported on Thursday, June 24: “According to a trusted source, there are multiple points on the iPhone 4’s frame for antenna reception. Our source says that the issues ‘can and will’ be addressed by tweaking, balancing, and/or redistributing antennae reception and/or signal strength display via software. When asked if it could be a hardware issue, our source said, ‘Don’t be silly. It’s not the hardware. Apple’s too smart for that. In fact, most any handset maker is too smart for that.'”
Maybe Steve Jobs’ “Just avoid holding it in that way” email reply was meant to be a joke that nobody got?
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Gerry R,” for the heads up.]
@Starscream
You believe it when you see it? Wow, but you will believe the few isolated cases you read about and probably haven’t actually seen? Are you an engineer? Do you design phones? What is your background that gives you such insight? I believe it because Apple would be really foolish to claim such a thing if it turned out to be untrue. That would cost Apple all the trust and goodwill it has with customers. Think about it.
@ Cannon20
I too have the same problem. While on a call, I have dialed a contact, dial digits, and put a call on mute. I’ve never had this problem and I’ve had all 4. Sounds like it’s rare. Another problem I’ve had is reduced wifi range regardless of wether I’m holding the phone or not.
A few of things I hope they change in the ensuing updates-
If an app is running in the background, like a navigation app, put a badge on it on the main screen so you can remember what is eating your battery.
Icons for folders.
Shortcut to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, DATA on, Location Servies all on one screen with toggles to quickly turn off individually for increased battery life (been wanting something like this since 1st gen)
While we’re on it, anybody having problems with 10.6.4?
I have had graphics issues, pizza balls, sync issues and kernel panics since I upgraded.
I know, sounds like a wild party….
The iPhone has antennae? I didn’t know it was alive!
Insects have antennae. Radios have antennas. Insects do not have antennas, unless they are operating walkie-talkies. Apparently the writer was trying to show his erudition and inadvertently revealed the lack of it.
Oh Harvey,
I just love it when you talk them big words like eruditon and stuff? You sound so profoundly scholarly.
MDN – Don’t you think the issue is probably caused by the ATT network? You are falling down on the job.
The best part of this idiocy is that the cheerleaders for anti-Apple hysteria admitted, pretty much by accident, that the new iPhone gets perfect reception in their shitty coverage living room, from which they made three hours of calls!
The real furor only started after the official Apple statement and Steve Jobs’ email telling users not to hold the phone that way.
They could have avoided 90% of the PR flak by instead saying they’re working on the problem, assuming software does indeed fix the problem.
Mossman:
It’s sad when you need to preface what you say with disclaimers for the mindfully challenged…
Apple does not have to apologize for anything after all they are Apple and can make people wait in lines to take their money and then sell a product that doesnt work right because they are Apple. Remember the 27″ iMac issue that Apple said was not an issue than finally acknowledged it ?
I’ve noticed that some apps are broken now that I’ve updated. I thought the update was supposed to make the experience BETTER.
The two apps I’m referring to are:
CoD Zombies – just crashes after the IdeaWorks screen
iLingua – can’t add a new user
Perhaps the new update will fix what the more current one broke.
To be clear, Harvey, both insects and towers can have an antenna.
It is the responsibility of third-party app developers to fix their products after an OS update, not Apple.
A few commenters on a CNET iPhone review said they experienced the reduced signal when updating their iPhone 3GSs to iOS 4. That’s a sure sign it is software, not hardware. See below…
by PADES June 26, 2010 9:29 AM PDT
in addition to losing bars when held without a case, the up my iPhone 3Gs, my WiFi speed, with or without he a case, has been significantly reduced after I upgraded to iOS 4.0. Has anyone else had this problem?
by rcossebo June 26, 2010 11:24 AM PDT
I’m still not convinced it’s a HARDWARE issue, especially since the 3G/3G S is having the same issue AFTER upgrading to the ISO 4 software. I’ll bet you that they will be releasing and UPDATE in the next month or so for “fixes” to “unspecified” problems.
by protagonistic June 26, 2010 9:36 AM PDT
I can’t say whether or not it did it under 3.1, but my iPhone does the exact same thing under iOS 4 as well. I rarely use the phone in anything but speaker mode so it is pretty much a non issue for me. Thanks for posting this.
I was able to replicate the problem on a 3GS phone when I took it out of the case and held it with my left hand and cupping the bottom. This phone had the iOS 4 update. I never noticed it because it was in a case. I think it’s a software issue.
The exposed antennae is subject to a change in resonance when it comes in contact with your hand. Bridging the delineator can make the attenuation even more pronounced. A cover that eliminates contact with the antenna should fix everything.,
N7AAC
So, the electrical conductivity problem resulting from a hand bridging the two antennas can be fixed by software? Hmmm. OK, interesting. Software mimics the bumper. For Apple’s sake, I hope that’s right.
Maybe my comment of in an earlier post…”I’ve no doubt that SJ is addressing it right now, and that the panic button has been pushed at Cupertino”… was correct.
But if his cavalier dismissal of the problem as endemic to all cell phones, and the solution was to hold it a different way was a joke, I’m one of those who didn’t get it.
Perhaps that’s the new Apple slogan, “Hold Different”.
Correction: “…comment in an earlier post…”
I find it hard to believe that this is a software issue. I’ll wait to see…
Software can adjust sensitivity for optimal signal strength
This had damn well not be a cosmetic change. I mean they could make the phone ALWAYS show five bars if they wanted. But it wouldn’t improve the reception. My phone now actually DROPS calls when I hold it with a normal dry hand with the normal (not frigging death) grip.
I just wanna know when iPhone 4 will be in stock again!
I also hope that the problem of photos being imported with iOs 4 becoming blurry once on the phone are also resolved with the software update.
And, Harvey – the issue is not that antenna or antennae are for animate beings or inanimate objects, as you indicate. It is merely that one is the plural of the other.
bdb
Good link with a great explanation of multi-tasking/fast switching. Thank you!
Here is what I think! Take it with a grain of salt if you want. I am a die hard Apple fan just to be clear! But, I think Apple knew about this issue….. I mean really how do you make a phone and not know that the signal fades when you touch the antennas. Also, really bumpers come on they made those to cover the mistake and make money on it at the same time! HELLO it’s business. That still isn’t gonna deter me from getting my white iPhone 4! But there are always shady practices in business and I really think this is one of them! Think about it! Did Apple make any cases for previous iPhones. I don’t know for sure but, I don’t think so!