Rumours are spreading that the iPhone 4 may be subject to a hardware recall in the coming weeks and I have to say that it does look inevitable. The antenna issue is to blame for the recall, but I wonder if the proximity sensor can be fixed by software as well?
This makes sense because, although hugely expensive, it would put paid to any lawsuits (hopefully) and would go a long way to restoring the confidence that Apple has done extremely well to build up over the past decade.
Would you hand yours in for recall if it came to it? I would, but not because of the antenna issue. The proximity sensor problem has made the iPhone 4 pointless to me for any voice calling.
One more point- Apple should be offering free bumpers to everyone who has the antenna issue because that could save it a LOT of money. The problem is one of acknowledging the problem (legally) and that is what stops this from happening.
It does not need to be recalled. A couple of people had a problem and people like you think you have as well. It is pathetic! My iPhone 4 is perfect. You just like bashing Apple!
Whilst I have not had any issues, and I now keep it in a case, I would exchange if their was a real hardware fault. But I have a vodafone uk iPhone 4 and it is fine.
Lol, Shaun you must be imagining it! And all those dozens of videos showing it happening. Still, I think this is very unlikely to happen. Free bumper cases seems a more likely outcome if Apple admit the fault. Similar to Nintendo sending out free rubberised cases and wrist straps for Wii controllers after a few idiots threw them at their TVs.
It’s also interesting to see story spread from a couple of websites that got stung when they released info on new prototype. And consumer reports still says best smartphone ever, just can’t recommend it. Rather ironic.
I agree with Philippa. Apple aren’t going to do anything other than a software fix maybe.
I can live with the antenna, but if the proximity sensor can’t be fixed I would have to go back to a 3GS. For me, that NEEDS to be fixed!
What problem have you got with the sensor again?
Every time I make or receive a call I end up muting, cutting off or putting the call on speakerphone. Never happened with the previous iPhones.
Hmmm, so if you call say your house phone or vice versatile, putting hand over light sensor does nothing? I found if during a call I had to use the keypad or another option the sensor would not black out screen again. I imagine this is software related. A straight forward call works fine.
vice versatile? Never heard that one before.
Just tried it and the screen does black out again, but seems to randomly come on when I start speaking again. I don’t think it is a software issue personally.
Vice versa – ipad auto spell check:)
Definitely cannot get issue to happen on my phone. Just tried again calling house line. Weird .
Here are some more examples re the prximity issue- http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2475509&tstart=0
Just waiting for Apple to delete the thread;)
I reckon it’s all first batch AT&T and o2 phones .
Dont see anyone on Vodafone or Orange with issues?
Mine is Vodafone
Bang goes that theory then.
Apple using cheap components?
I think I have the signal issue if I try hard enough – covering the gap between the two pieces of antenna does slowly degrade the showing bars – whether it’s a real problem I don’t know. I haven’t had any dropped calls yet.
I also haven’t had (as far as I can tell) any problems with proximity sensor. I’m on O2.
Realistically how is a recall going to work given how many of the things they’ve flogged so far? Swap out (assuming they’ve managed to fix the problem and built a few hundred thousand more…)
Interesting thought – and will they recall every one sold so far? Logistically it would be a nightmare, but I guess it’s a nightmare for Apple now (whether a real or perceived problem)
@jah
Cheap components? No, they’re highly technical and uber expensive components….from China
The proximity sensor issue sounds like a hardware fault to me. Like both Gavin and Statto, I have not had the problem. If I were you, Shaun, I’d return the phone and pick up a new one.
On the subject of the antenna, I highly doubt that Apple has any intention of issuing a recall. Firstly, in practical terms, whatever is going on doesn’t seem to be impacting most people’s ability to make calls and use data; neither does there appear to be any hard evidence that the iPhone 4 performs less well than other phones (indeed, my own experience has been to the contrary).
I suspect that Apple will ride this one out; and they’ll chalk it up as one of the perils of being the most talked about tech companies on the planet.
Engadgetmobile has just posted an article saying only a small amount of people affected.
I still haven’t got my iphone4 and have decided to wait a few weeks to see what happens. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a “fix” brought out quietly so that new models are better than old. Anyone returning their phone could then be quietly exchanged with the new model. No fanfare.
Sid
Now Bluetooth problems are being reported, another antenna issue!
Gosh, Bluetooth…there’s a thing of the past. I haven’t honestly used Bluetooth on a phone for what must be more than a year…
What’s funny (at least to me) is that the antenna issue is only a problem in areas with a weak signal. Well duh – there’s no guarantees of a call in a weak signal area in any case!
I am in area which is weak for O2. it was one of the reasons why I didn’t get an iPhone. I have only had one call with an iPhone 4 user which dropped in the middle. Sent same person a text which took 29 hours to arrive. Phoned a friend yesterday running iOS4 on his 3G & he could not answer it. He was tapping the screen & nothing happened.
Hopefully these are just early bugs because it’s frustrating even if you don’t own one.
Bluetooth best sound ever with my jabra 5050. How would other companies like HTc or Samsung survive if their phones had this much publicity and the bug list would be immense.