Some iPhone 4 Buyers Think Devices Are Already Being Built Differently

**Michael Essany** · 07-14-2010, 10:22 AM

Gizmodo and iFixit are giving widespread attention to new reports that allege Apple is already revamping its iPhone 4 building process to curb the lingering reception issues and so-called "Death Grip" phenomenon. Naturally, even without "sources" and "reports" corroborating this suspicion, one would only hope that Apple is doing something internally to prevent more potentially defective or flawed products from entering the marketplace.

Those I've spoken with who have purchased iPhone 4s within the past few days and discovered a more recent production run haven't yet experienced the same nagging antenna bug that sparked the recent turmoil. While Apple hasn't formally announced a manufacturing change, the iPhone 4 population among us is so substantial (and still growing) that it is monumentally difficult to assess if the most recently produced iPhone 4s are no longer experiencing the problems of the first production runs.

"We've received only one report," notes Gizmodo,"so take it with a hill of salt: A Gizmodo reader claims that, after Apple replaced his iPhone 4, he couldn't reproduce the sharp loss of signal. He says that the hardware seems slightly different." This report, however, coincides with the findings of an iFixit investigation. "We got an independent report of a similarly updated phone from a member of our community," notes a report on the iFixit blog, "so we decided to investigate. We exchanged one of our units (that had been experiencing unrelated problems with its Bluetooth connection) to see Apple has changed the manufacturing process since their initial production run."

Needless to say, it will take some time to better assess whether Apple has already begun an unspoken recall of sorts by stealthily revising the manufacturing and product build of the iPhone 4.

Stay tuned...

Gizmodo
iFixit

**jdonn2009** · 07-14-2010, 10:26 AM

funny cause i got my iPhone on Tuesday of last week and never had any issues... i wonder how far back this goes...

**spiderguy84** · 07-14-2010, 10:29 AM

I got my iPhone the 23rd, pre-ordered opening pre-order day, and I've never had any problems with signal strength when i hold it a certain way. I think the media is blowing this WAY out of proportion.

**adp** · 07-14-2010, 10:31 AM

Although these are all rumors, I wouldn't be surprised. Apple was working on the iPhone 4 more than 6 months prior to releasing the 3GS. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if they say "screw you" to all of us who ordered our iPhone 4's earlier. Someday when they're going down the drain, they'll realize that this is not the way to do proper business.

**vikasmal** · 07-14-2010, 10:35 AM

Got my Iphone 4 on the 5th of July and thankfully no problems regarding signal strength whilst holding in any position. Bars remain full.

**daytonaviolet** · 07-14-2010, 10:36 AM

i dont think you need to worry. buddies IP4 had some signal indicator bars dropped when he held it a certain way. he made an appoinment at the genius bar and demenstrated. they then replaced his phone.

Originally Posted by adp

So F all of us who ordered our iPhone 4's early?? Thanks Apple

**Ezzard** · 07-14-2010, 10:37 AM

I got my preordered iPhone and every call that lasts longer than a few minutes will somehow be placed on mute. I do get random dropped calls moreso than I did with my 3GS. I use my headphones for calls when I can to avoid having issues. This is a real problem.

**BoostedEvoIX** · 07-14-2010, 10:37 AM

its funny you guys mentioned this cus im on my 2nd iphone 4. I preordered mine and got it the 23rd and had to return it back to apple cus it had promixity sensor issues and i also noticed the bars decreasing with the "death grip" I got a replacement phone and it works flawlessly. I have a case for it but i did the death grip without the case and still had full service. I even did a speed test on the old and new one and there was a difference. So who knows, they may already be sending new redesigned ones out

**peteykirk** · 07-14-2010, 10:37 AM

Ive never had any problems either, nor has the other 5 people that bought one opening day when I did. Unless it was a production run problem I think its a crock or atleast a out of proportion reason to hate on Apple......

**adp** · 07-14-2010, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by daytonaviolet

i dont think you need to worry. buddies IP4 had some signal indicator bars dropped when he held it a certain way. he made an appoinment at the genius bar and demenstrated. they then replaced his phone.

That's a very isolated event. Most of the people I've heard that took their phones to the store either got rejected or were asked to leave. A guy in my local Apple store was asked to leave after he showed the Apple reps of the signal problems on their model phones on display.

**Dizi** · 07-14-2010, 10:38 AM

How many people "think" this?

I call BS.

**Melech518** · 07-14-2010, 10:42 AM

I had my personal iPhone 4 replaced 3 times ON launch day. The final replacement I was given has not had a single issue. I have tried to reproduce the "death grip" and can not.

**adp** · 07-14-2010, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Melech518

I had my personal iPhone 4 replaced 3 times ON launch day. The final replacement I was given has not had a single issue. I have tried to reproduce the "death grip" and can not.

What were the reasons for replacement, signal?

**Ezzard** · 07-14-2010, 10:43 AM

I plan on using my old 3GS to record myself on a call with the phone placed on my face and showing how the proximity sensor screws up on every call I make or take.

**EddieLeonard** · 07-14-2010, 10:45 AM

in a week take it back and say you have the signal issue and get it replaced and see if you have the newer one (if there is a newer one)

**goodgod2** · 07-14-2010, 10:46 AM

OMG Not another thread about " who has reception and who does not please" i beg you LOL.

**kingbijan** · 07-14-2010, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by spiderguy84

I got my iPhone the 23rd, pre-ordered opening pre-order day, and I've never had any problems with signal strength when i hold it a certain way. I think the media is blowing this WAY out of proportion.

Are you MAD? Media blowing this way out of proportion? There have been over half a million complaints!

**chemalito** · 07-14-2010, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by spiderguy84

I got my iPhone the 23rd, pre-ordered opening pre-order day, and I've never had any problems with signal strength when i hold it a certain way. I think the media is blowing this WAY out of proportion.

I agree 100%

**bcon1208** · 07-14-2010, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by spiderguy84

I got my iPhone the 23rd, pre-ordered opening pre-order day, and I've never had any problems with signal strength when i hold it a certain way. I think the media is blowing this WAY out of proportion.

No they're not...I speak from experience. I love my iPhone 4 but the thing is so freakin' glitchy it's ridiculous!!!

**LastSonOfKrypton** · 07-14-2010, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by kingbijan

Are you retarded? Media blowing this way out of proportion? There have been over half a million complaints you douchebag.

BE NICE AND EDIT YOUR POST before a mod decides to discipline you.

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