Steve Jobs on iPhone 4 Signal Issue: 'There are no reception issues'

I'm 90% sure it's coincidence, but the fact that Apple decided to release their first iPhone bumper/case, and in iOS4 removed the field test mode that showed numeric signal strength, does make me wonder.

It's going to be interesting to see how this all turns out, but I'm disappointed in many of the news sites who are now badging it as an issue with displayed strength. I have an iPhone 4, live in an area with good signal strength, and "bridging the gap" with my finger absolutely does decrease voice quality and decimate data throughput.

I'm finding the external antenna's advantage may out-weigh its drawbacks.

Hands mess with cell phone reception. Every phone has an optimal way to be held so as to minimize this effect.

The difference with the iPhone 4 is that the optimal holding method is clear. If my signal is fine then I can cup the phone as normal but if I'm in a low signal situation I can give my phone the death grip to avoid touching the steel.

My guess is there are (at least) two different issues. The antenna shorting issue which is (apparently) very real and a display issue which could be something as simple as a faster polling interval that shows normal RF fluctuations that don't actually impact service. The later issue is pretty common and nothing too serious -- easily fixable by a software update. I don't see how the first issue is fixable via software but it also seems like too big of a design flaw to slip through. Reports are an insulator over the gap solves the problem so I'm wondering if the original design called for some adhesive insulator to be applied to the gap and some number of units (lots or all) don't have it? I think you're right about the bumper cases though. Maybe they weren't for this specific issue but it seems to me that dents & dings on the antenna are going to be a lot more serious in the long run than just a cosmetic issue.