Apple responds to iPhone 4 reception issues

Apple has sought to play down widespread user complaints about poor reception on the iPhone 4, and chief executive Steve Jobs has told customers to hold the device in a different way.

Numerous angry customers posted videos on YouTube showing problems with reception on the new handset, which seem to occur when the device is held in the hand.

The palm appears to cover the band located in the corner of the phone which houses part of the antenna.

"Gripping any mobile phone will result in some attenuation of its antenna performance, with certain places being worse than others depending on the placement of the antennas. This is a fact of life for every wireless phone," read an Apple statement on the matter.

"If you ever experience this on your iPhone 4, avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases."

Apple has made available a number of 'bumpers', which clip over the stainless steel band and protect the iPhone 4 from damage. These covers could also help maintain signal strength as they prevent direct contact between the edges and the hand.

Given Apple's uncompromising response to customer feedback it's more likely that users will be forced to shell out £25 ($43) for a protective case than the problem being fixed.

It was reported that Steve Jobs himself responded to a customer email asking if the problem would be fixed, saying that users should "avoid holding [the phone] that way".

The iPhone was released yesterday, and V3.co.uk was there to see the throngs of consumers outside the Apple Store in Regent Street eager to get their hands on the latest Apple smartphone.

V3.co.uk also has a hands-on video review of the iPhone 4.