Word on the street (at least where AT&T reception can be received) is that a software fix might be coming on Monday to resolve the iPhone 4 reception problem, deemed the “Death Grip”.
Apparently, users will be able to download an update that resolves the issue of users holding their iPhones in a certain way, leading to poor signal and dropped calls.
The update will install a small messaging system that simply pops up a headshot of Steve Jobs on the phone’s screen, with a speech bubble of him reminding you “don’t hold the iPhone like that!”.
Of course I’m being facetious. It is possible that Apple will be able to at least ease the problem with a software patch. By tightening up radio frequency calibration and improving the accuracy of the iPhone’s signal meter, Apple hopes to alleviate the issue, or at least lessen its impact.
The tip comes from Apple Insider, who say that a post on Apple’s discussion boards was removed after mentioning a software fix in the works.
The more cynical among you might be wondering if Apple might simply choose to dodge the bullet here, by simply altering the speed at which the signal meter responds to antenna signal quality – after all, who would notice a few more dropped AT&T calls?
Again it’s worth mentioning that not all iPhones are suffering from this issue, and many have reported that other manufacturers devices respond differently to hand placement while making calls.
Unless I’m not understanding the antenna problem, how exactly will a software patch fix a physical design flaw?
I’m no physicist, but isn’t that like…I don’t know…impossible? What you mentioned about the signal meter is exactly what I thought the second I heard they were planning a patch of this type. I really think this is just a cover up for a serious design flaw.