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Apple Readies iPhone 4 Proximity Sensor Fix

Jul 19, 2010 07:44 GMT  ·  By
iPhone 4 design - the device's proximity sensor is located somewhere above the speaker, behind the glass panel (not visible from an angle, and with poor lighting)
   iPhone 4 design - the device's proximity sensor is located somewhere above the speaker, behind the glass panel (not visible from an angle, and with poor lighting)

In addition to the antenna issues over which Apple is facing a backlash, a proximity sensor issue is also present in the iPhone 4, Apple has confirmed. Following reports from Apple Discussions forum posters, the company is addressing the matter with an upcoming firmware fix (either iOS 4.0.2 or iOS 4.1). The release may also include further reception improvements.

During Friday’s press conference, Apple hinted at the possible release of a new antenna fix, should further investigation reveal a deeper problem. However, one adjacent problem that can also be fixed via software update has been confirmed by Apple - the proximity sensor issue with iPhone 4.

According to multiple device owners worldwide, some units experience screen flickering when held to the user’s ear. Apple’s iPhone’s are equipped with a proximity sensor that allows them to know when the user is on a call, putting the screen to sleep, so that controls are not accidentally activated. However, the iPhone 4’s has a flawed “understanding” of when the user is on a call, leading to frustration for end-users.

“I'm having an issue with the Proximity Sensor not properly detecting when i'm holding my phone to my ear”, a user identified as mdalegre wrote in an Apple Discussions thread emerged in June. He continued by saying, “I can confirm that the iPhone sensor is working by covering it with my finger, but when held to my face, the screen blinks as if it cannot decide to disable the screen or enable it. It results on me hanging up, putting calls on mute, and dialing numbers accidentally while i'm on the phone. This occurs on 90% of my calls.”

Fellow Discussions users posted similar stores, and still do to this day.

A report over at GSMArena seemed to confirm the issue in a video comparing how iPhone 4 behaved when a mouse pad was being placed atop of its upper side, covering the proximity sensor. Apple’s upcoming firmware update will not only attempt to fix this problem, but may also include further improvements to the handset’s reception, Softpedia believes.