At Apple’s [AAPL] press event on Friday, Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs quoted a Consumer Reports article which said ‘Apple’s Bumper case alleviates the iPhone 4 signal-loss problem’.
Apple were basically saying that Consumer Reports said the iPhone 4 was fine as long as you use a bumper case, sort of giving the impression that Consumer Reports would now recommend the iPhone 4.
That isn’t the case, as Consumer Reports has now responded to the press conference, and they still won’t be recommending the iPhone 4 and here is why.
Consumer Reports believes Apple’s offer of free cases is a good first step. However, Apple has indicated that this is not a long-term solution, it has guaranteed the offer only through September 30th, and has not extended it unequivocally to customers who bought cases from third-party vendors. We look forward to a long-term fix from Apple. As things currently stand, the iPhone 4 is still not one of our Recommended models.
Consumer Reports’ Concerns
Consumer Reports’ stance highlights a significant issue that goes beyond just the immediate fix of offering free bumper cases. The organization is concerned about the long-term usability and reliability of the iPhone 4. While the bumper case may alleviate the signal-loss problem temporarily, it does not address the underlying hardware issue that causes the signal loss when the phone is held in a certain way. This is often referred to as the “death grip,” where touching the lower-left corner of the phone can result in dropped calls and poor reception.
Moreover, Consumer Reports points out that Apple’s solution is not comprehensive. The free bumper case offer is only valid until September 30th, and it does not cover customers who have already purchased third-party cases. This leaves a significant number of users without a permanent solution to the problem. Consumer Reports is looking for Apple to provide a more robust and long-term fix that would ensure the iPhone 4 meets the high standards expected from a premium smartphone.
Apple’s Response and Future Steps
Apple’s response to the issue has been to offer free bumper cases and to downplay the severity of the problem. During the press event, Steve Jobs emphasized that all smartphones have weak spots and that the iPhone 4’s issue was not unique. However, this explanation has not satisfied all customers or industry experts. Many believe that Apple needs to take more decisive action to address the hardware flaw.
One potential solution could be a redesign of the antenna system in future production runs of the iPhone 4. This would involve modifying the phone’s hardware to eliminate the signal loss issue without the need for a bumper case. Another option could be a software update that adjusts how the phone manages signal strength, although this may not fully resolve the problem.
Apple’s reputation for quality and innovation is at stake, and how the company handles this issue could have long-term implications for its brand. The iPhone 4 has been praised for its design, display, and performance, but the signal loss issue has overshadowed these positive aspects. A permanent fix would not only satisfy Consumer Reports but also reassure customers and maintain Apple’s standing in the competitive smartphone market.
I guess Apple has some work to do on the iPhone 4 before they get the seal of approval from Consumer Reports. The company needs to address the root cause of the signal loss issue and provide a solution that is both effective and long-lasting. Until then, the iPhone 4 will remain a controversial device, praised for its innovations but criticized for its flaws.
via BGR
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