iPhone 4 Antenna Reception Press Release

The iPhone 4 was released to the public on June 24^th 2010. In the first 3 days over 1.7 million new units were sold. On June 15^th Apple allowed its large customer base to start pre ordering their new iPhone 4. The pre order system on Apple and AT&T’s websites did not last long as they were up and down all day. Most customers, including myself, tried to pre order online over and over again. Finally a large number gave up after a long day of disappointment. After being denied by apple’s online order system, I personally called AT&T and placed my order over the phone. Many other customers went into their local AT&T retail stores to place their pre order. Because of the high demand AT&T was forced to place pre orders hand written on paper and processed at another time. Even with all the problems surrounding the pre order, the new iPhone 4 has done very well in sales. Selling over 3 million new iPhone 4’s in the first 3 weeks.

When everyone started to receive their new iPhones on June 24^th people started noticing a problem with their reception signal. Within a few hours more and more stories were reaching the web as well as other media outlets. Many documented videos were posted on YouTube and other video sites of users gripping their new iPhone 4 and the signal dropping just like when the xBox 360 had the red rings of death. The new iPhone 4 has its own “death grip”. The new innovative antenna design for the iPhone 4 includes a steel band that wraps around the phone. At the bottom left corner of the antenna there is a small gap. When you place your finger over the gap or wrap your hand around the phone, signals have been reported to drop from five bars to no signal. Even though the new iPhone 4 has some new innovative and ground breaking technology, the press surrounding the antenna “death grip” problem have overshadowed the positive new steps the phone has taken.

At 10:00 am Pacific Steve Jobs addressed the public with his latest press conference where the main focus was the antenna “death grip” problem. At the beginning of his statements he explained that all smart phones have this same issue. His smart phone examples included the HTC Droid Eris, Blackberry Bold 9700 and the Samsung phone. Previously announced by Apple the actual signal strength bars had been using the wrong bar formula for the last three years. So the first step to help fix this issue is to download the new software update 4.0.1. This update fixes the signal bar formula and also makes the signal bar icon larger, making one bar signal strength more noticeable. Jobs went on to discuss the success of the new Apple bumper case which gives the user a small buffer between him and the antenna resulting in a solution for the antenna “death grip” issue. From these findings Apple has decided to give their loyal iPhone 4 customers a free bumper case for those ordering one before September 30, 2010. However, Apple is unable to produce enough bumper cases to meet the demand. Starting late next week users will be able to apply on Apple’s website for a free case. If the free case and new software update still does not meet your standards Apple is allowing you to return your undamaged iPhone 4 within 30 days for a full refund without the restocking fee.

Jobs wanted to make it clear how much they appreciate their customer’s loyalty. He concluded with “We love our users. We really love ’em. And we try very hard to surprise and delight them. We work our asses off for them. And it’s great. And we have a blast doing it.” Do you feel that Apple has redeemed themselves by offering the free bumper case or will you be taking advantage of the full refund?

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