This is just odd. Apple’s iPhone 4S lacks the “Enable 3G” switch found in Apple’s other versions of the iPhone.
The switch, found in the Network Settings Menu, allows users to switch of 3G data on their device, prolonging their battery life, especially in areas where 3G is absent. A reader tipped Engadget off with a photo of their 4S on Vodafone’s network, showing the witch was absent. Engadget checked their 4S running on AT&T’s network here in the U.S. and confirmed that it too lacked the enable 3G switch.
While this isn’t a make or break issue, it does seem odd that Apple would prevent users looking to optimize their battery life from doing so. Apple hasn’t officially responded to questions regarding the reason for dropping the switch on 4S devices. Apple’s other phones (3GS, iPhone 4) that are upgraded to iOS 5 still have the option available in their Network Settings, so this isn’t an iOS 5 specific issue.
AT&T users specifically might have an issue not being able to turn of 3G services on their phone. AT&T’s 3G coverage is poor bordering on horrible in many areas. Unless the 4S is somehow optimized to no search for 3G towers constantly, many owners in rural, or poor 3G service areas could see a considerable drop in battery life.
*Update*
This image was sent in by MMi member Andrew Evans and shows that his CDMA iPhone 4 lacks the 3G Enable Switch as well. Perhaps the reason the iPhone 4S lacks the ability to switch between 3G and 2G networks has to do with the new baseband chipset that includes both CDMA and GSM radios. This would explain why GSM iPhone 4, and iPhones retain the 3G switch, but the CDMA versions do not.
Source: Engadget
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