Consumer Reports No Longer Recommend iPhone 4

Along with many others, Consumer Reports is calling out Apple regarding the software fix it offered for the iPhone 4’s reception issues. According to their findings, the problems stem from a design flaw, and Apple will have to come up with a free and permanent fix for the antenna before Consumer Reports can recommend the product.

This comes as a surprise, particularly because this same nonprofit organization said earlier this month that there was “no reason” to avoid the iPhone 4 because of its reception quality. Did they speak too soon? Apparently, because now their test engineers have emerged and released findings that caused Consumer Reports to contradict itself. The tests involved a handful of AT&T phones (iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and Palm Pre) and a base-station emulator (cell tower simulator), with the results indicating that the signal strength issues are not an optical illusion and that AT&T’s network may not be responsible for all the trouble. For now, iPhone 4 is being labeled as having a “design defect,” though I’m willing to bet we haven’t heard the last word just yet, from Apple or others.

For what it’s worth, Consumer Reports went so far as to offer a solution for current iPhone 4 users . . . Sure, the device scored higher than competitors in categories unrelated to reception. But in order to make it work to its full potential, the organization is recommending a piece of duct tape be placed over the antenna gap. And that’s not a joke. One has to wonder, is Apple listening? I’ll admit, I’m looking forward to the company’s next public letter and all it’s thinly-veiled jabs at the media.

For other ways to deal with iPhone 4′s antenna problem. Take a look at our article on 7 Ways to Deal with iPhone 4 Antenna Problem.

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Devin Wieland

 

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