Apple Upset at Consumer Reports Findings, Deletes Threads on the Topic

Whether Apple believes Consumer Reports’ iPhone 4 tests are as irrelevant as we do, or whether the company is simply afraid of losing potential device buyers over what could be a real design flaw with the phone, Apple Discussions forum administrators have pulled all threads regarding the negative report.

Several sources have confirmed that the Cupertino-based electronics maker has deleted forum threads discussing the Consumer Reports iPhone 4 examination. Although moderators saw to it that these threads would no longer be viewable, readers can still get a glimpse of them through cached versions via Bing, Cnet points out. In the meanwhile, Softpedia was able to spot the thread in question being posted back online.

The tech-site adds that many Apple fans vehemently defended iPhone 4 throughout these pulled thread, despite Consumer Reports’ generally positive reputation.

Notably, Consumer Reports rated iPhone 4 as the best smartphone currently available, but specifically stated it was not a recommended purchase, having been able to confirm the phone’s faulty radio reception. Addressing similar claims in the past, Apple insisted that its iPhone 4 merely displayed the wrong number of signal bars, while actual reception was not affected by the user’s hand touching the phone's outer antenna. The Mac maker may prove this is true with an upcoming software fix. If not, the company may be forced to recall all units sold since launch (which should tally at over 2 million by now). Needless to point out, this would spell disaster for what is now Apple’s strongest business pillar.

Admittedly, Apple Discussions moderators pulling threads discussing iPhone 4 antenna matters does not help Apple improve its image. Many believe that, if iPhone 4 does have a design flaw, its makers should just step forward and admit it.

Others may be enticed to believe Apple’s yet-unreleased white version of the iPhone 4 will arrive with a better antenna design. One could even speculate that Apple’s entering the protective-case market - Bumpers - coupled with pushing the launch the white iPhone 4 could be the company’s way to (partially) address a problem it had anticipated with the device.