Reports of dropped calls are coming in from around the world. It seems as though there is a serious flaw with the new iPhone that is causing connection failures during calls. A loss of connection occurs when the iPhone attempts to move from a 3G network to a non-3G network.
USA Today is reporting that the problem may be with the 3G chipset manufactured by Infineon Technologies. AT&T and Apple are working on a software fix that will be made available remotely through iTunes. The new software could be ready as early as next week.
Apple is hoping that software can fix the troubles. If the chips or devices were damaged during manufacture the problem could be a hardware mishap. This would force Apple to recall the damaged iPhones and damage the company’s reputation.
I have had zero problems with my phone in los angeles…
No, a recall in a situation that requires a recall would not necessarily hurt the company’s reputation – the most important factor to consider is word of mouth, and for me and everyone I know – the word of mouth would change from “grr this phone has so many problems” to “the phone had problems and apple actually gave me a new, better one.”
I have experienced issues with 3G, GPS tracking, cracks in the back cover, among others. I will either wait for a replacement or get one myself at an apple store pretty soon (if only to get a new phone sans cracks).