Consumer Reports Still Does Not Recommend Apple's iPhone 4

Even after Apple tried to address the iPhone 4's atenna design issue with a press conference where they mentioned they would offer free cases for the phone to mitigate against signal loss, Consumer Reports still gives the iPhone 4 the thumbs down. In a press conference held on Friday July 16th, Jobs reiterated the company's earlier claim that all smarphones have similar problems, and that "no one has solved this problem." Apple's CEO did not hesitate to drag other phone companies into the mix such as RIM and Nokia. Job's also mentioned that Apple engineers have been "working our butts off so we can come up with real solutions" to the antenna issue and they are continuing to do so. While a real solution to the problem is being worked on, Apple will offer a free case to all customers who have purchased an iPhone 4 since it's introduction on June 24th. "We're going to send you a free case. We can't make enough Bumpers. So we're going to source some cases and give you a choice." Apple will also offer refunds to customers who have already bought the Bumper, Apple's only case for the iPhone 4. For those who have already bought third-party cases aren't assured of a refund, although Jobs did mention they can write to Apple if they want their money back and "we'll consider the request." The free cases would be available by the end of next week, to all customers who purchase iPHones prior to September 30th. After that date, Jobs mentioned the company would "reevaluate" the issue. "Maybe we'll have a better idea," he said.

In recent tests originally sparked by consumer complaints, Consumer Reports confirmed that the iPhone 4's signal-loss problem was in fact real. CR also determined that a Bumper, a case, or even something like a small piece of tape could alleviate the issue. Although some people think Consumer Reports handled their tests incorrectly, many consumers still follow the advice of the popular blog before making purchases. Consumer Reports believes that Apple's offer of free cases is a good first step, however Apple has indicated that this isn't a long-term solution, it has only guaranteed the offer through September 30th, and has not extended it unequivocally to customers who bought cases from third-party vendors. CR states they look forward to a long-term fix from Apple, as things currently stand, they still do not recommend the iPhone 4.