The signal loss issue when the iPhone 4 is held in the hand is widely known now. Apple's answer to the issue is that every mobile phone has some signal loss when held in the hand and, this is the same issue with the iPhone 4. Moreover, the new smartphone's antenna performance is better than that of its predecessor, the iPhone 3GS. The using of a rubber or plastic bumper is said to help resolve the issue to a certain extent, as there will be no direct contact with the hand when these are used.

AppleCare staff have been instructed to guide customers with signal strength issues to hold the iPhone 4 so that the black strip on the lower left corner of the metal frame is not covered. Also, iPhone 4 customers will need to buy the bumper for a price of £25.

There are reports about Apple releasing a software fix for the issue. The updated version of the OS is said to be iOS 4.0.1. This will supposedly be available early this week. Watch the YouTube video below of how the bumper helps maintain signal strength in the iPhone 4.