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Apple Inc. will hold a press conference on
Friday to discuss the latest iPhone model amid complaints about its
antenna and Consumer Reports magazine's refusal to endorse it until
the problems get fixed.

      Apple would not provide details on the nature of the event at
the company's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., other than to say
it will involve the iPhone 4.

      On Monday, Consumer Reports said careful testing has confirmed
user reports that holding the phone over a particular spot
drastically reduces the signal strength it receives. Covering the
spot with duct tape or a case alleviates the problem.

      Apple hasn't commented on Consumer Reports' finding yet. Company
watchers are speculating that the company may give iPhone buyers
its "Bumper" case, which normally costs $29.

      The phone went on sale three weeks ago and outsold previous
iPhone launches in its first three days, with 1.7 million units
sold. Complaints about the signal strength soon followed.

      In an early response, Apple acknowledged that holding the phone
in a certain way impeded the wireless signal somewhat, but said
this happens with many other phones. It said the real reason for
the apparent big drop in signal strength was that the company has
been using an incorrect formula to convert signal strength into the
bars displayed on the screen.

      Consumer Reports said it tested other phones and found none to
have significant loss of signal strength when held.

      While complaints about the iPhone 4 have been driving headlines,
not everyone has had such problems. Some people say they can't
replicate the so-called "death grip" - and have even seen
reception improve in San Francisco and other big cities where
previous iPhones stuttered.

      Shares of Apple fell $3.79, or 1.5 percent, to $248.94 in midday
trading Thursday.
      

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Apple Inc. will hold a press conference on
Friday to discuss the latest iPhone model amid complaints about its
antenna and Consumer Reports magazine's refusal to endorse it until
the problems get fixed.


Apple to speak on iPhone 4 amid antenna troubles

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