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Why has Apple delayed the white iPhone 4?

By Barry Collins

Posted on 26 Jul 2010 at 08:18

Speculation is mounting over Apple's decision to delay the launch of its white iPhone 4.

Apple announced late on Friday that it was delaying the launch of the white iPhone 4 until "later this year". The handset has "continued to be more challenging to manufacture that we originally expected," Apple claimed in a brief statement, although didn't elaborate on the difficulties.

Only a week earlier, at a press conference called to explain the iPhone 4's reception issues, CEO Steve Jobs said the white iPhone would be on sale at the end of July.

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So what's behind the latest delay? Several reports are suggesting that Apple has delayed the launch of the white iPhone 4 so that the company can work on an improved antenna design.

The company has offered customers free bumper cases to address the so-called "death grip" issue which sees the phone apparently lose reception when a finger is placed over the small gap between the handset's dual antennas.

Apple has said it will review call data at the end of September to assess whether the bumper cases have solved the slight increase in dropped calls. Many believe this is the reason why Apple is holding back the launch of the second handset.

A report on Engadget suggests there might be more prosaic reasons. A source inside the company that makes the touchscreens for Apple's handsets told the site that "the factory's still working out the perfect combination of paint thickness and opacity - the former to ensure the next sub-contractor has enough clearance for the [screen's] digitiser overlay, and the latter for the absolute whiteness that Jony Ive [Apple's design guru] and co strive for."

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User comments

iPhone delayed for reception problems?

hmm, maybe, but I think there are other reasons, I read some news that 'Due To Manufacturing Problems'.
anyway, I will stick with the iP4. The iP4's picture definition ...I'm speachless....personally I really like the grouping of apps much tidier than before and the camera zoom. And as the iPhone 4 high-definition video clips, watch video on IPhone 4 are so cool and amazing! and I have download the iPhone 4 Video Converter at from iFunia, Im ready for enjoying my favourite movies on the go!

hmm, maybe I will also get the white one then this one give to my son!

By Jane55 on 26 Jul 2010

front camera

I think its something far more simple than that. the white iphone4 I seen still had black housing for the front facing camera (as almost all camera lens do) leaving a black dot on the front of the device. it was not the prettiest of things and we all know how fussy Apple is on looks.

By JOHNNEWHOUSE on 26 Jul 2010

White is harder to get out blood stains...

..and we all know Apple don't want the blood spilled at the Foxconn factory on their hands.

By cheysuli on 26 Jul 2010

Loosing trust in apple

Another setback once again for Apple it will be interesting to see what's next in the news regarding iPhone issues (antenna, manufacturing and now service charges) and their steps to refund cases won’t make up for the iPhone 4's lack of function over form.

It's a shame to see so many issues with the iPhone 4 after so many people waited for it's release. What's more of a shame is that it seems Apple knew about some of these issues already, such as the problem with reception.

But Apple have created such a loyal following that people may just put up with what issues there are for the sake of owning the latest Apple product.
Personally, I'd be happier with an older iPhone - at least then the issues are all ironed out.

However, it's also interesting to see how much excitement new technologies can bring. New technology and innovation is important for new business, illustrated by entrepreneurship grants and new business competitions like http://www.ukesnc.com.

Guess it's not all bad!

By galile0 on 26 Jul 2010

Sickening

"hmm, maybe I will also get the white one then this one give to my son!"

You obviously have more credit than sense. Consumer drone moron.

By dodge1963 on 26 Jul 2010

The first word in the article...

...says it all. More non-news for Apple Fanboys and Flayboys to fight over.

By lokash20 on 26 Jul 2010

I think that they could be trying to solve the antenna problem while the manufacturing problems are resolved, the launch a white iPhone 4 without the need to supply bumpers as well.

By Amnesia10 on 26 Jul 2010

Fanboy for now, well over 20 years actually

I can't make my iPhone 4 loose signal, I've asked fat friends to try, but no, it's not possible. Have I got a broken iPhone? This site is plagued by Apple non-believers who are limited by imagination and cash. What has Microsoft ever done for you? MS has the most atrocious GUI ever, do they even employ graphic designers?

By cherryco on 26 Jul 2010

Do we at PC Pro

really care?

Smartphone Pro, iPhone Pro? Why not rename the site and be done with it?

By Lacrobat on 26 Jul 2010

The real price of an Apple?

I must concede that Apple do produce iconic gadgets. Their struggle to market innovative designs really deserves to be applauded – when few PC manufacturers care much about the looks of their product.

But when it comes to computers, I’ll stick to PCs. iPhones and iPads, well if someone feels they got to have one, and is willing to pay for one – that’s fine...just don’t strut around looking smug and look down at people with high mortgages and low income. And for goodness sake – wake up to the reality of the 3rd world agonizing to produce the components for these rich-kids toys - just to escape the poverty line. (Little Filipino ladies, producing hard-drive coils, caged in white dust-free glass rooms...)

By vic_ago on 31 Jul 2010

I got fed up waiting and just bought a conversion kit. They are only £150 - well worth the money.

http://www.whiteiphone4uk.co.uk

By techxpqa on 30 Nov 2010

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