Don't hold it that way!
Apple said that some loss of signal from gripping a handset is “a fact of life for every wireless phone," and that if it happens on the new iPhone, users should “avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band."
Or if you prefer, the company suggested, “simply use one of many available cases."
Apple redesigned the phone so the steel frame ringing the handset doubles as its antenna. The left side of the frame is used to broadcast a cellular signal; the right side is for other bands, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
As a result, righties** may find themselves plagued by the signal problems more than the rest of the population.
Though Apple says every mobile phone has similar issues, its not a phenomenon the gadget experts at iSuppli have seen before. Thats because nearly all smart phones -- including earlier iPhone models -- have the cell antenna packaged inside the case, along with the circuitry.
But Apple's plan for wrapping the antenna around the phone was to boost its cellular performance, according to comments from Jobs during the phones unveiling this month.
Gripping the lower part of the phone may interfere with a piece called a radio frequency ground plane, which helps amplify the phone's cell connection. That piece, said iSuppli hardware analyst Kevin Keller, is susceptible to electrical currents -- even those from contact with human skin.
Online jokesters quickly ridiculed Apple's response by assembling dozens of images from Apple promotional video showing actors holding the phone in a way that appeared to be different than what Apple suggested.
“Apple, you're holding it wrong," read a caption on the images.
Steve Jobs holds his iPhone 4 during the device's launch event June 7. Apple now says users should “avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band." Credit: Paul Sakuma / Associated Press
** As in, those who hold the phone in their left hand, and dial with the right.
