Aug 30, 2010 11:05 GMT  ·  By
The proximity sensor found on the top front side of the iPhone 4 is visible to the naked eye with the white version of the device (highlight ours)
   The proximity sensor found on the top front side of the iPhone 4 is visible to the naked eye with the white version of the device (highlight ours)

The iPhone 4 proximity sensor issue acknowledged by CEO Steve Jobs in July is still posing problems for Apple technicians, with Apple Australia spokeswoman Fiona Martin confirming that the company is yet to issue a software fix.

A report by 9to5mac informs that Apple Australia’s chief exec, Tony King, is set to make a rare public appearance at a local conference.

The site draws a line between this and the proximity sensor issue experienced by multiple iPhone 4 users out there, noting that the company’s ‘down under’ wing has confirmed Apple’s inability to come up with a fix as of yet.

It links to The Sydney Morning Herald which reports that Apple Australia spokeswoman Fiona Martin acknowledged the company was still struggling to roll out a patch.

As for King, he will appear before the media as part of a ten-member panel of Tasmanian tech firms.

His speech will be focused on innovation and the mobile industry, according to the same source.

The proximity sensor problem is widespread, with hundreds, if not thousands of iPhone 4 out there reporting similar scenarios - sensor fails to turn off the touch-screen as the user puts the phone to his / her ear, resulting in accidental command input.

Users claim that this issue is particularly annoying because it causes them to touch the “end call” button as they accidentally touch the screen with their cheek.

Others complaining over at Apple’s Discussions forum are frustrated because of muted calls, or other accidental commands.

The problem was acknowledged by Apple chief executive officer, Steve Jobs, during a July 16 press conference which, ironically, was focused on another problem typical to the iPhone 4 - antennagate.

While that problem appears to have been addressed, the proximity sensor issue remains unresolved.

Some reports, however, say that iOS 4.1 developer betas appear to have the problem isolated and, in certain cases, fixed.