The iPhone 4 is barely out for the public and we are already seeing reports of what could be a rather large issue — loss of signal strength when hold the iPhone. Sounds pretty bad, though personally without having an iPhone in my hands I cannot comment yet.
As for what the complaints are saying, apparently the iPhone 4 will drop in signal strength when you are holding the phone and touching the antenna band in multiple places. You know, like you would when you need to make a call. Anyway, according to the details, users are reporting the ability to see a noticeable signal strength drop when holding the phone as compared to when they place it on a table (in the same location).
Sounds pretty bad, and like something that you would chalk up to a wierd one-off issue. Except it seems that more and more people are coming forward with videos showing off the issue. Of course, in all fairness, its still early in the iPhone 4 game and this is likely to play out for a little while. In the meantime hit the via link below and check out a nice collection of signal loss videos.
[via Gizmodo]
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June 24th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I just tried testing it and had no issues.
June 24th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I cannot duplicate this no matter what I do. I have tried numerous variations including covering up all four sides at the same time with my hands for extended periods of time and have not been able to make the signal drop at all.
June 24th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
I can duplicate it easily. You have to connect the top metal band with the bottom, near the bottom where the break is on the side. Hold it and it starts losing signal after about 5 seconds.
June 24th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Maybe this is why Apple are marketing the bumper that goes around the edge of the phone, to insulate it from our bodies.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:27 am
No issues for me no matter how I hold it. It gets a much better signal then my 3Gs or my 3G.
June 24th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Thanks for sharing! Would probably wait for the next batch of iPhone 4 before buying.
June 25th, 2010 at 9:22 am
I've not got an iPhone 4 myself but two of my colleagues in the office have and they are BOTH experiencing this issue. One has said that using a bumper has stopped it happening.
What a complete joke the response from Steve Jobs is – just don't hold it like that then.
June 25th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Engineer is saying this is a software issue for the signal status indicator and a fix is in the works. I have yet to drop a call on my new phone
June 25th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Engineer is not telling the truth about a software issue on status indicator. If I hold phone in that particular way, my speed tests shows speeds consistently dropping 2-3x. In areas with lower reception to start with, holding it the "wrong way" drops connection altogether.
I can avoid holding it the "wrong way" talking on the phone but it's a challenge browsing because I hold the phone with left and use fingers of right hand.