This morning, Apple PR published a letter regarding reception issues with the iPhone 4's external antenna. As I have written (via my link blog), I have not only experienced this issue, but ultimately I think that Apple is going to have to provide some sort of substantive fix. To be blunt, today's proposed changes from Apple don't really provide a fix. While I applaud getting better data from my phone, I don't see how this proposed software change is going to make it easier for me to make calls and send text messages from places that have weaker coverage.

You know, places like my apartment.

After living with an original iPhone as my only phone for nearly 3 years, I can honestly say that I've never really had to think about how I hold the phone when I try to make a call or send a text message. But in a little over one week of owning an iPhone 4, I am a lot more conscious about how I hold the device.

Last night, I was in the Mission district of San Francisco, and tried to make a call. \"Call Failed\". I changed how I was holding my phone, and I was immediately able to make a call.

I think that Michael Tsai has summed up Apple's response the best, in particular with point #4:

\"4. Not announcing anything that will improve the actual reception for people affected by this issue.\"

I'm hoping that what Apple has said today isn't their final word on this issue.

-Andy.