iPhone 4 reception issue: myth or fact? Design flaw or software issue?

If you’re left handed like me, forget being able to use an iPhone 4 without a case. Here are the myths and facts about the iPhone 4 reception issues. I’ve been thinking of how Apple could resolve the issue with a software update: they could determine how you’re holding the phone, perhaps thanks to the new gyroscope, and prompt you to hold it properly… like in the picture.

If you haven’t followed the events lately, here is a brief summary for you…
Short after the iPhone 4 launch, users started reporting the iPhone 4 had a worse reception then the iPhone 3GS. Magazines did their tests, some agreed, some didn’t.

Then, Apple announced it’s just a software issue, but their report sounds weird. According to Apple the iPhone thinks the signal is “stronger” then it really is and therefore the user will expect to be able to make a phonecall in areas where it wouldn’t be possible. Too bad in the same areas iPhone 3GS and lots of other smartphones are able to make and receive calls instead.

Apple has also said that any mobile phone experiences reception issues when held improperly. Now either Apple thinks left-handed people like me were born and educated improperly, or they’re just climbing on mirrors!

Apple finally said that users can use any case that covers the metal exterior band of the phone, which also acts as its antennas, with a case to prevent conduction through the user’s skin. So they recognize the hardware design flaw, but only implicitly?

Consumer Reports announced on Monday that it cannot recommend the iPhone 4 to potential buyers due to reception problems that are a result of the design of the handset. The conclusion was reached after testing three of Apple’s iPhone 4 handsets purchased from three separate retailers in the New York area inside a controlled environment of a radio frequency isolation chamber.

“In this room, which is impervious to outside radio signals, our test engineers connected the phones to our base-station emulator, a device that simulates carrier cell towers,” the nonprofit organization wrote. “We also tested several other AT&T phones the same way, including the iPhone 3GS and the Palm Pre. None of those phones had the signal-loss problems of the iPhone 4.”

They also suggest a solution — the video herebelow is worth watching. Now, Apple’s turn again. Will they do as everyone expects and start giving away the Apple branded case for free? Will it go on denying?