iPhone 4 Sells Out Despite Reception Complaints

Apple moved 1.7 million iPhone 4s in the first three days of sales to five countries. Steve Jobs called it the most successful product launch in Apple’s history. iPhones ordered online now aren’t scheduled to ship for three weeks. Apple and AT&T stores often receive a small number of new phones each day, but sell out quickly, making the iPhone hard to find anywhere.
Some of those who have been able to get the new iPhone are complaining about a reception issue that occurs when the iPhone is cupped tightly in hand. This same problem occurs on other phones, including older iPhone models, but is reportedly more pronounced on the iPhone 4, which uses its external metal band as an antenna. Using an Apple “bumper” case or any other case seems to eliminate the problem.
One lawsuit over the issue has already been filed against Apple, and others have threatened to sue. There have also been rumors of a coming software fix from Apple that will alleviate the problem.
Other rumors this week also pertain to the iPhone. One has Apple coming out with the iPad iWork apps for the iPhone 4. iOS 4 does support the use of Bluetooth keyboards, which makes using something like Pages more plausible. There are also more rumors this week of a Verizon version of the iPhone coming later this year or early next.