I assume by now everyone’s aware of the antenna issues with the iPhone 4 — holding the lower left corner kills the reception. I’ve heard a number of explanations for what’s happening, but the generally agreed on one is by holding it there, you bridge two of the antennae, which kills the connection. But why are they there in the first place? Antenna scientist Spencer Webb breaks it down for us:
Just about every cell phone in current production has the antenna located at the bottom. This insures that the radiating portion of the antenna is furthest from the head. Apple was not the first to locate the antenna on the bottom, and certainly won’t be the last. The problem is that humans have their hands below their ears, so the most natural position for the hand is covering the antenna. This can’t be a good design decision, can it? How can we be stuck with this conundrum? It’s the FCC’s fault.
The iPhone 4 is far from the only phone hit by this issue. If you want an easy fix to the problem, and don’t want to shell out for a case, it’s time to bust out the masking tape.
[image from Marco Arment]
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I have tried my hardest, but I can not replicate this issue (which I now believe is not as widespread as some are assuming).
It has to be a software or locational issue (in tandem with the architecture of the phone). I can replicate this with the WiFi meter (drops 1 bar when holding it by the bottom), but I see no actual decrease in functionality.
I know it is happening, as seen by proof via video, and from several similar complaints. But I question is this more of a common theme with other phones as well that goes unnoticed? However, I question the root cause since I can not replicate at all (I have been trying since 2:00pm yesterday) I will keep trying though, for science.
masking tape is a brilliant idea….did it actually work in resolving the issue?
yet the two other brand smartphones I have never suffer from “being held”
Time will prove this is not a software issue.
If you are bridging a connection with your hand it cannot be a software issue. Time for apple to provide free bumpers.
For those that claim not to have the problem, please have someone else test your phone- preferably someone that also has an iPhone 4 and IS having the problem. Swap phones and test. If you have no problems on their phone, but they do with yours, then you are one of the few and proud people that have very low skin conductivity. The rest of us aren’t so lucky.
BTW, just throwing this out there: If my skin is bridging the antennas, why can I not do it with a wire, foil, or other conductive materials? And I have actually been trying since yesterday.
The masking tape photo is classic.
“The problem is that humans have their hands below their ears, ” I LOVE it!!!
I never had this problem and I tried but I also bought a rubber case as well, so I’m good either way. Ben the iPhone is the most popular phone so other brands defect wouldn’t be this widely spread. Just get a cheap rubber case like I did, it’s not a big deal. I heard Apple is giving free bumpers in the UK so they are being aggressive with the issue.
Like Rowan i have had no problem, i live in Australia and apple here are giving free bumpers and cases away, even without the cases i have never lost reception, but i use the rubber case to protect the phone. love it.