Okay Geek Farm
Apple might be silently recalling the iPhone 4
Brandon Davenport
This story was pushed out yesterday, but it has evolved into an onslaught of unconfirmed cases of Gizmodo readers receiving a new version of the iPhone 4. They claim that they are unable to reproduce the reception issue, and that there are physical differences between the “old” and “new” models.
A Gizmodo reader from San Mateo, California had placed his iPhone 4 on a “glass like” surface in his bathroom, and the glass on the back of the Phone had cracked. He took it into the Apple store and the Apple rep told him that “Apple replaces phones if the crack is a single line, indicating a material defect”.
Once his phone was replaced, he realized that the new unit no longer had the proximity sensor issues or reception problems. He also noted that “The unit felt slightly heavier, and the metal frame had a slightly matted finish compared to the replaced unit.” Remember folks, this is unconfirmed so take it with a grain of salt…
Mitchell Carr from San Mateo, California
I had to exchange my iphone 4 last week after the back glass cracked when I placed it down on a new glass-like bathroom surface. At the time it happened, my mind automatically recognized the popping sound, but I assumed that it was just my imagination. The phone was completely unscathed with the exception of the .75 inch crack starting at the top of the phone and running diagonal to one side.
I made an appointment, and was assisted that morning at the local Apple store in San Mateo, CA. The Apple Rep informed me that Apple replaces phones if the crack is a single line, indicating a material defect.
I immediately noticed a difference in hardware once I left the store and began to marvel at the replacement’s lack of fingerprints. The unit felt slightly heavier, and the metal frame had a slightly matted finish compared to the replaced unit. I experienced the accidental mute issue on two calls with the first unit, but I haven’t experienced that issue on the second.
As for reception issues, I didn’t seem to lose too much quality with the first phone during the “death grip,” but did notice that audio from my side would drop out as reported by those I spoke with. That hasn’t been an issue with the second unit.
I honestly thought the difference in hardware was just a figment of my imagination, but I’m not so sure that’s the case anymore. I’m especially certain of the metal finish because I thoroughly inspected my phone for any sign of my own error prior to replacement, which would invalidate my story. During that time, I visually scrutinized the edges, and am confident that something is different about my new unit. I’d be happy to meet up with one of your writers in the SF Bay area if they would like to get a hands-on and compare my new unit with theirs.
