Apple to release software patch for iPhone reception woes?

Stephen Withers
Friday, 15 August 2008 04:08

Your IT - Mobility

Even if there is a software issue, that does not rule out the possibility that at least some iPhone 3Gs are affected by hardware issues, possibly including poor antenna alignment as suggested by Swedish magazine My Teknik.

That would be consistent with reports from some people say their problems ended when their iPhone 3G was replaced, while it persists for others that have also received new handsets.

Here's a thought: if there is a software issue related to signal strength, wouldn't its effect be exacerbated by an antenna alignment problem?

Whatever really is going on, it's clear there are some very real problems involved, and the failure of Apple and its carrier partners to openly acknowledge the situation and explain what is being done about it only increases the uncertainty and therefore the distress experienced by their customers.

What happened to admitting there's a problem, apologising for the inconvenience caused, explaining how you're going to make things right, and then delivering on that? Even if a cure is not yet at hand, customers would be reassured by a message along the lines of "it's not you, it's us."