“The report, published on consumerreports.org with an accompanying video, set off a feeding frenzy in the tech press, always happy to knock Apple down a peg. ‘Consumer Reports flunks iPhone 4,’ was the headline on the U.K.’s V3. ‘Time for an iPhone Recall?’ asked CNET,” Elmer-DeWitt writes. “But as some reporters remembered, CR‘s staff had been impressed with the phone — and dismissed the antenna issues — 10 days earlier. And as All Things D reported Monday afternoon, the same phone just got the equivalent of a Consumer Reports rave in its formal evaluation — 76 on a scale of 100, two points higher than the next runners up, the iPhone 3GS and the HTC Evo 4G.”
Elmer-DeWitt recounts the whole iPhone attenuation saga and then writes, “Given that the problem disappears the minute you install Apple’s $29 Bumper, the company may come to regret that it didn’t immediately offer them for free to any iPhone 4 owner who asked for one. But it’s not too late to do the right thing.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Once again, as we’ve stated consistently: If iPhone 4 requires a case to operate properly (i.e. not drop calls when held a certain way), then Apple should provide a free case to every iPhone 4 owner. We are reserving further judgement until Apple releases their promised “free software update within a few weeks.”
As for Consumer Reports, please read: Electromagnetic engineer: Consumer Reports’ iPhone 4 study flawed – July 13, 2010
There is to much smoke around the iPhone4 . Apple should react now !
This illustrates the greatest strength and weakness of CR. When it comes to objective testing – like with the iPhone 4’s antenna – CR is a credible resource. Their testing methodologies are usually top-notch. For overall tech product reviews, they’re waaaay behind the curve.
Rule of thumb for using CR: the less it has to do with purely technical comparisons, the less you should rely on CR for your purchasing decisions.
I guess the bean counters over at Apple calculated that the Bad Press cost less than giving away the free bumpers.
I don’t agree with the decision and I’m a life long Apple user.
I truly believe it is a software problem. Me and the other 5 iPhone 4 owners around me can get the bars to go down by placing our hands in the wrong spot, but the calls are never dropped. In fact, I have been able to answer calls in the rural part of the city where normally I couldn’t in the past. I think the antenna works great and that it is indeed a software fix.
However, if the software does not solve the problem, then Yes, Apple should provide the black or white bumper free of charge to all owners of the iPhone (and reimburse all those that have previously purchased those two colors). They should in my opinion still charge for the stylish colored ones, but I think they should drop the price to $14.99 in light of the circumstances.
Keep in mind that people will try to drive down Apple’s stock prior to the quarterly report next week so that they can pick up more Apple stock on the cheep. With all the products, markets and services that Apple offers, this is all that they have and it is fixed by using a case that you will want anyway to protect the iPhone 4.
This is sad and pathetic that it is all that they have to trash Apple with. I wish the Apple engineers had just coated or plated the antennas in the first place and they would have had nothing.
I have the “case” Apple recommends and the problem still persists! On my second iP4. Still no change. Poor reception. Dropped calls etc. Proximety issues with phone switching from ear piece to speaker at the awkward of times. FaceTime is geat, but have you tried FaceHold, FaceMute, FaceHangup, or FaceDial? Newest wrinkle, a call comes in and the phone does not stop ringing! Have to do a hard reset to turn off. Just a few of the hidden features I am experiencing.
@REALTORben – I’ve had the same experience but the bumper makes no difference… On or off I can make the bars go up and down by covering the lower left corner. Regardless, I love my iPhone!
mw: able … as in I’m able to get reception despite the signal reading.
Consumer Reports has officially reached rag status.
Apple needs to do something positive soon. The stock is being spanked again today. Of all my stock, AAPL is the only one down at this moment.
Just wait until after options expire. the SEC should raid Consumer Reports offices and figure out which investment firm(s) or hedge funds with which they’ve colluded because the timing of this story right before options expire, when the story broke two weeks ago, is utterly suspicious.
I have the new IPhone 4. Picked it up in the reserve line on launch day. I’ve had zero issues with the phone. I live in Sarasota Florida. I’ve not lost signals or bars once. I did purchase the bumper and a few other cases. When word got out regarding the new metal bands having issues. I took my iPhone out of the bumper. I still had no issues. In fact my 3GS model had less signal in my house so the new phone has even stronger signal reception.
It would be nice to hear about the people who don’t have issues with the iPhone. Such as myself. We only had one iPhone do for an upgrade. So I only purchased one. But I will replace the other three 3GS for my wife and kids next month. Consumer Reports is a joke. Out dated Company that is bias.
Oh and I do love the new design of the iPhone just like I loved the design of the previous models. But I always use an otterbox case to protect my iPhones. Still waiting for the new case for the iphone4. But who would not want to protect their investment.
Consumer Reports does not deliberately “falsify” information, but it is a very mediocre testing service that has little credibility among discerning tech users; I personally do not take their results very seriously.
As far as the iPhone antenna is concerned, Apple is entirely correct in stating it is a hardware non-issue.
As many others have pointed out, the antennas on a cell phone (several of them) are the most sensitive and challenging aspect of a phone’s technology, a cell phone’s performance is highly dependent on its antennas. The Sprint, or Verizon, or T-Mobile cell phones I’ve owned in the past have all had varying degrees of reception quality, and the antenna has played a critical role in this.
Bizarrely, the (largely) anti-Apple blogosphere has conveniently forgotten this fact of all cell phones, and has suddenly isolated the iPhone 4 as having some sort of new, unique “problem” with its antenna, which is preposterous.
If Apple were to in any way admit there was a “hardware problem” with the antenna (it won’t, I’m sure), then all cell phone antennas would be equally guilty of having the same “problem.”
It is, in every way, a non-issue.
I haven’t had any of these problems.
So far, iP4 is the best device of any kind that I’ve ever owned.
Things I know:
1. There are those that will blindly defend Apple, no matter what. Do your own research, and don’t believe everything you read.
2. There are those that will blindly convict Apple, no matter what. Do your own research, and don’t believe everything you read.
3. I can’t speak to the experiences of others. But my own experience (after a little less than 3 weeks) tells me the iPhone 4 is the best Apple device I’ve ever owned – and that’s a lot.
4. In the past, Apple has always stepped up to make things right if they were wrong. I hope, and expect, they will do so here. It seems longer, but it’s still been less than 3 weeks.
5. If there are legitimate reception issues, and if Steve really said “don’t hold it that way”, he shouldn’t have said it. I appreciate his biting humor and wit, but making light of this issue when it’s become such a firestorm was just wrong.
6. This, too, shall pass.
If this were nokia, rim, or any android manufacturer MDN would be all over it with insult after insult. But it’s apple, so there’s no problem. Laughable. This site is really childish and this fiasco proves it.
So the iPhone 4 has an antenna issue! We have had a big problem with weak signal and dropped calls for along time. When I say we I mean iPhone users. This problem was around back in June of 2007, but we call it AT&T;. I guess us Americans are overly diluted. Why is it we feel the need to all of a sudden bash Apple and send the mob to lynch Mr. Jobs? So Apple made a mistake, big deal your phone is still the best thing out. So stop crying, and get over yourself. If you can deal with the crap you get from AT&T;, then deal with this and shut up. Typed out on my IPhone 4 while I hand no AT&T;coverage. I had to switch to wifi and I still managed to survive.
” If there are legitimate reception issues, and if Steve really said
“don’t hold it that way”, he shouldn’t have said it.”
No, you’re wrong here. What Jobs was light-heartedly referring to was the fact that *all* cell phones’ reception is affected by holding it, by attenuation. This should be obvious to any reasonably intelligent cell phone owner. The Htachi smartphone I owned ten years ago was affected by how I held it, the Sharp cell phone five years ago was affected, and all cell phones on the market today.
The people who take issue with Jobs comment are either Apple-dunkers or, well, not too bright.
And just look what an opportunity has presented itself with this fiasco – APPL down 3.5% this am.
Just bought 200. Way to go – free money time.
@spinoza2
So, logically, there is no difference in attenuation between an exposed antenna and a concealed one? Grow a brain. Just because it happens on all phones doesn’t mean it happens with the same magnitude, and doesn’t make it acceptable
Could I get one now? Please?
Right now?
@spinoza2
I didn’t say what Steve said was factually wrong. From a PR perspective, it was wrong to make light of it.
Also, spinoza2, I’ve learned over the years that people like you who are so quick to play the “not too bright” card are, well, you already know, don’t you…..
“So, logically, there is no difference in attenuation between an exposed
antenna and a concealed one?”
Putting the antenna within the body of the phone lowers the reception quality, there’s no way around this. Apple solved the problem by putting it outside, which is the reason the reception on my iPhone 4 is the best I’ve ever had on a cell phone. Can I influence the reception by how I hold it? Absolutely, at least in varying degrees. This is a good thing, since I know I can hold it in a way to maximize reception quality when necessary, which was not as easy when the antenna was hidden within a case.
Umm, I think it’s you that has your brain “encased”…
@Stockholm syndrome
This site is MacDailyNews. Not M$ or Android news. What do you expect? Just don’t click on MDN, we won’t miss you.
Again, your naivete is so frustrating. The shysters of WS want to kill apple. the moment apple admits that the antenuation is not a normal occurence, a thousand and one lawyers, pudits will be bashing apple.
I have a new ipahone 4. I cannot simulate the problem no matter how hard I try. I sused it on the staten isalnd ferry, very weak signal, no drop call.
again, continue making comments like you do about apple needing to provide a free case, and you just give fodder to the WS shysters who are out to do a msft redux. Greater evil your choice. Gates and Ballmer will have the last laugh at your expense.
The friggin’ trolls are having a field day.
This whole iPhone 4 antenna – Apple response – Consumer Reports – thing is like a multiple-fatality car wreck. It’s gory, it’s heartbreaking, and I can’t take my eyes off it. And reports from the witnesses are just like the “real world”; you can’t get the same story from everyone who saw it happen.
I’m sticking with my iPhone 3GS for now (besides, my wife got it for me just 4 short months ago, I don’t see any of these problems with it despite upgrading to iOS4, and I don’t know anyone yet who has an iPhone 4). There are other reasons why I don’t have much “disposable income” anyhow.
Good time to BUY a few more shares!!
@spinoza
Now you’re changing your argument from “all phones have attenuation” to “the iPhone’s significantly worse attenuation is counteracted by the increased performance of the external antenna.”
The second is probably a more thought out excuse than simply disregarding it because all phones have attenuation. Don’t get mad at me for calling you out on your first post which didn’t address the real issue.
@Stockholm syndrome
Well here’s some more childishness for you:
why the **** are you here then?
Even more childishness: don’t let the door hit you in your adult ass on the way out.
By By!
Look at it this way MDN, the regulars will ride this out and we’re too smart to believe the trolls or be influenced by them. In the mean time, all this added traffic from the trolls is boosting your income (I hope), keep on being MDN!
Well I guess maybe now watching every news organization repeat the CR recommendation MDN might have some idea about who is bigger Cr or tiny MDN. The stock market is the real decider.
“the iPhone’s significantly worse attenuation is counteracted by the increased performance of the external antenna.”
@Bongo: Not sure who you’re quoting here, it sure ain’t me. Your carping is just as fabricated as the antenna issue itself!
CR published an accurate review – “<u>Best phone</u>, one significant problem”. As Stockholm Syndrome said, if this were a Nokia or Android MDN would be bragging about it and raking the “loser” over the coals – even though it’s, in general, an excellent review! SS was talking about the <u>extreme</u> bias at MDN, not simply a favorable bias. Sometimes MDN goes WAY off the tracks after drinking WAY too much kool aid.
There were several proud owners of iPhones at my granddaughter’s birthday party last weekend – and one shy one. Great-aunt Fran was feeling a bit embarrassed because hers was still “a virgin” … no apps – yet. All were happy with their phones.
We have had several reports from owners – this thread and another recent one – saying the reports are true. Some saying loss of connection, some saying apparent loss of signal (but NOT loss of connection). This suggests there IS a problem of some sort – at least, with <u>some</u> of the phones.
I feel about Apple, and its products, about the same way I do about the US and about Democracy – they may be extremely flawed, but they are the best options available. And, if you can’t stand that description, you are part of the problem, not part of the solution. If a problem is discovered, start by admitting it then step up and try to fix it. Burying your head on the sand just leaves your butt swaying in the wind.
I found a silicon case for my White iPhone 4 last week for $2.73 delivered. Plus My $12.50 Zagg Maximum Invisible Shield – includes Edge Military Grade Plastc Protection – is on the way. Got 50% off discount code for entering their weekly Win A Free iPad contest.
I am always in awe in regards to how fiercely MDN defends Apple. It’s like an ad hoc relationship between a puppy and a stranger. There is no fiasco. There is no flaw. Just because CR likes the phone doesn’t eliminate the atennae issue. That’s the real issue. And for that reason it’s not recommended, no matter how much the phone is liked based on the merit of other features.
We now get to look forward to MDN repeating, “Once again, as we’ve stated consistently: If iPhone 4 requires a case to operate properly (i.e. not drop calls when held a certain way), then Apple should provide a free case to every iPhone 4 owner.”
Like this in any way addresses the apparent flawed design of the phone.
If anyone really thinks this is going to make a serious dent in demand for the iPhone 4, they are smoking some serious weed. For most consumers, especially the smart ones, they will say the same thing:
“I don’t care”.
I, for one, think this whole issue is just another attempt to find a way to shoot Apple down, especially now they are at the top of the tech universe.
The iPhone 4 does not REQUIRE a case to operate properly.
It is well known that many people are unable reproduce this problem.
It’s really hard for me to know who to believe about this problem. Should I trust the real people I know who bought the iPhone 4 and say that they have better call quality and don’t drop calls where they used to in NYC? Or should I believe anonymous people in forums who may not really even own an iPhone and may just love to hate Apple?
Max Pain for AAPL options expiration is $250 this Friday. The SEC should needs to look at Consumer Reports phone and Email Records. The Market Makers would have had to pay out $300,000,000 in calls this Friday without the big drop.
I see MDN deleted my earlier post and at least one other person’s comment stating the reflexive attacks on CR by MDN and other voices here certainly won’t hurt CR.
I also said Apple needed to become pro-active, release a definitive statement and get out ahead of this issue before it snowballs further.
Apparently, those ideas were deemed so “threatening” they had to be removed. Perhaps MDN can explain why.
Yea, let us see what the software update does first. A recall of the iPhone would be our of the question. The antenna issue is not harmful, you can use the phone despite it, all the other features works perfectly. If the software update doesn’t work the easiestvway woul be to just give out pumpers or a case to all iPhone owners that want one.
I bet that iPhone 5G will have a slightly different design :p
Hmm, lets see here, what could people be whining about?
Could it be…
1. People have to shell out 200 – 300.00 of their hard earned money _and_ submit to a 2-year AT&T;Wireless contract to buy the phone.
2. People have to agree to allow CRAPPLE to track them via GPS and other possible means in order to be able to use the app store.
3. CRAPPLE insists that people are “holding their expensive toy wrong” rather than try to address the physical problem.
4. CRAPPLE is so concerned about profits that people kill themselves working in the factories that make their phones–profits that only cost them 2.00 more per phone to double the wages of those making the phones.
I could go on, should I?
There is PLENTY that people should be whining about here! If you don’t see it, you have been had and are already under Jobs control.
From now on bing and decide. http://www.bing.com
I could go on, should I?
No, because no blog needs a T-R-O-L-L.
You could have made your points in a non-Trolling way, but you just felt compelled to act like a douchebag.
BTW, I’ve tried Bing. I hate Bing. Google that.
I CANNOT in good conscience recommend Consumer Reports to magazine readers. It is a FAILed magazine, specifically thanks to this ludicrous review. If not for their overblow iPhone 4 lunacy this would be the best consumer magazine on the market.
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