Now Would Be a Great Time for a Little Humility and Support from Apple
‘This is the most successful product launch in Apple ‘s history, ‘ said Steve Jobs, Apple ‘s CEO. ‘Even so, we apologize to those customers who were turned away because we did not have enough supply. ‘
Despite being the most successful launch in terms of demand and sales, this is also the most problem-ridden iPhone launch that we ‘ve ever seen. Between just the infamous antenna/reception issue and the proximity sensor problems, many iPhone 4 users are finding that ‘this changes everything ‘ in all the wrong ways.
I think that instead of making the reverse-apology shown above, for not being able to make the things fast enough for everybody who just has to have one, this is an occasion where Apple might want to show some humility and support for its loyal users.
And when it comes to the iPhone 4, they are very loyal users “ with some reports showing that up to 77% of iPhone 4 buyers were upgrading from a previous version of the iPhone.
Instead of issuing statements that claim all cellphones suffer from similar reception issues, or ultra-stupid email responses about users ‘holding it wrong ‘, this would be a great time for Apple to
– Clearly acknowledge at least these two serious issues. Even if they are not affecting all users, they are obviously affecting enough customers for this to be worthwhile “ especially after the idiotic ‘you ‘re holding it wrong ‘ response got out. Clarify for us what percentage of users are genuinely affected by these problems.
– Tell users what fixes are being worked on for these issues. If a software update can address either or both of these issues, tell people that and let us know about a timeframe for when that update should be expected.
– Stop calling it the most successful product launch in their history until they address these issues properly. Right about now you could make a good argument that it ‘s their least successful iPhone launch “ at least in terms of damage to the reputation of the iPhone as best-in-class device.
TOTALLY AGREE !!!!!!
Here is what is truly baffling about the reception issue; Some very high profile, intelligent people, have tried to replicate the issue under all conditions and CANNOT! What possible conclusion could anyone draw other than a certain subset of iPhone 4's are defective. Whether it is hardware or software who knows. As long as I know that there are iPhone 4 users who can't replicate the problem however hard they try, then I refuse to don a case or hold the phone differently!
I think it's pretty clear the issue is not affecting all iPhone 4 users. For what it's worth though, all of us at JAiB who have the iPhone 4 ARE able to reproduce the issue with varying degrees of severity – some just see the signal bars reduce and disappear, others see dropped / failed calls.
Patrick – you're spot on! I'm now beginning to wonder if I'M rather lucky since I've NOT received my unit yet. I wonder if by the time I do, if a newer iOS 4 will be released to thus resolve some of these issues? Hmm, time will tell I guess.
I think for me personally, having the iOS 4 on my 3G S, has saved the day, since I didn't get my i4.
I've never heard so many complaints about such a minor issue. All these apple people buy every incremental upgrade of the iPhone, and expect it to be completely different, then turn all hypocritical and bash Apple/Steve Jobs because they were foolish enough to go wait in line for a minor upgrade. A week ago Steve Jobs was the messiah, now he's vilified because of an antenna issue that 20% of people are having. Maybe it's time for a little humility for all these iPhone 4 owners that were drinking the apple koolaid not so long ago.
I don't agree that the iPhone 4 is just an incremental upgrade. The general consensus on it is that it is the most significant step forward since the original iPhone. It shouldn't matter whether the issue affects 1% of users or 75% of users – the point is that Apple should be addressing the issue with far better than the 'you're holding it wrong' approach.
I was at the Apple Store for launch day last week. I man was arguing with the store manager about the iPhone. The man said, "Forget it, I am done with Apple for good." The store manager calmly smiled and gestured to the chaos in the store, in which people were begging to buy Apple products. The man got furious and then looked around again and said, "Okay well I'll take whatever you can do for me"… I am not saying its right, I am not saying its wrong. I am just adding a story from first hand experience.
LOL!
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