iPhone 4 – Australian Release Date & Antenna Issues

Macword Australia reported this news as stated by Steve Jobs at the recent press conference held to address the iPhone 4's Antenna & dropping bars issue.

Whilst we have no definitive dates as to when hardcore Apple fans can line up outside of Apple Stores around Australia, it looks like the wait is almost over. We have yet to get confirmed pricing, but from all reports we have studied it looks like the pricing will be the same as current models.

The line up will include a 8GB version of the iPhone 3GS, and both the 16GB & 32GB models will be iPhone 4, powered by the new A4 Processor.

iPhone 4 - What's New?

For those who haven't heard the news about the iPhone 4, you'll be surprised to know the new version of the iPhone is a very appealing and substantial upgrade. Recently we detailed the new features of the iPhone 4, highlighting the key points of upgrade. For most people, they'll benefit from the Facetime forward facing camera, which allows video conferencing with anyone else using a iPhone 4.

Whilst this has been done many, many times in the past, and is a features already available on other smartphones, the broad appeal of this feature coupled with the large consumer base of iPhone users will open up a new world of video conferencing as we've not seen it before. Apple have said that the Facetime software protocol is written in open source language, so hopefully we'll have cross connectivity compatibility between other pre-existing smartphones.

The other big feature in the new iPhone 4 is it's screen resolution. It's now double what it used to be, which is impressive to say the least. This reduction in pixel size allows a much clearer screen with less pixelation, and Apple have aptly dubbed it the 'Retina Display'. Sounds great to us. Hard to tell exactly how much an improvement it is, but all reports conclude it's a beautiful display worth upgrading for.

The iPhone 4 Antenna & Dropping Bars Issue

Many reports have surfaced, along with supporting user videos, showing how the iPhone 4 can experience 'signal loss' when it's held a certain way. Initially Apple brushed this issue aside, with Jobs claiming that users should just 'avoid holding it this way''. However, users created a social media uproar and Apple had no choice to respond, which you can watch in the videos below. Interestingly, an Apple Insider has claimed Jobs knew about the Antenna Issues a year ago.

To help users with the issue, ALL iPhone 4 units will come with a FREE BUMPER at place of purchase. If you have already bought a iPhone 4, then you are entitled to a Free Bumper from your local Apple Store.