Q: Mysterious random total shut downs following 3.1 update

I went to the Apple Geniuses today, and they claimed they didn't know about the coma issue with Version 3.1, but offered to replace the phone pretty quickly. After some research, they acknowledged that Apple knew about the problem, but had no solution yet. Apple won't post anything until they have the solution, or so I was told.

I didn't want the hassle of resetting-up the phone, so I asked if they would please downgrade my phone to Version 3.01. They tried twice, but that wouldn't work, so I took the new phone which was loaded with Version 3.01, and just finished reconfiguring all the settings that don't come back when you resynch. By the way, I got a warning that I had old software and so I had to start as a new phone, but iTunes did not force me to upgrade to Version 3.1.

I expect that my problems are over for now, and will wait for Version 3.1.1 plus about a month before upgrading again.

Thanks to all for the support and tips.

Big j's downgrade process works perfectly I have done it on more then 1 Iphone with no problems. Also search for the ATT 5.2 carrier file and enjoy mms and tethering. Thanks big j for your info.

From Brazil: I will post: "MY iPHONE FELL INTO A "COMA" AGAIN NOW", and advise all to do the same whenever this happens, until apple solve this problem with v.3.1. Is revolting and shameful. Apple I paid very expansive by this device so it does not work satisfactorily.

I guess we are the more lucky ones, whose phones are still under warranty, and were able to get a replacement.

But I must say, Apple, this time you really blew it! You suck! Because you have missed the golden hours to rescue a situation that could potentially damage your long-running good reputation. Now, the damage has done. I doubt it could be undone for a long long time. Your failure to response and complete denial is scary in a way that makes people wonder whether there is anyone running the company. Your complete silent in this issue is unprecedented. You have forgotten your customer is your lifeblood!

You have changed my perception to your company and to your products. You have lost me as your customer! The longer you stay silent with this issue, the more customer you will lose.

My phone is having the coma issues as well. Seems pretty random, usually at least 2-3 times a day. Just went out of warranty 2 weeks ago...sure hope Apple releases a fix soon

I'm having the exact same problems. I've already restored twice, once using my backup and once without the backup. Still having problems.

Mine ran out of warranty last week.

Won't even sync now

Got an appointment to see the Genius in Meadowhall on sunday.....

Let's see what they say.

Message was edited by: Trash II Treasure

I'm having the same problem. iPhone 3G, Software Version 3.1
1. I'll hit the sleep/wake button and put my phone back in my pocket after sending a text.
2. 30 mins later, I'll take my phone back out, and the screen will be off, which is normal.
3. I hit the Home button. No response. Still a black screen.
4. I hit the Sleep/Wake button. No response.
5. I flip the vibrate switch, just to see if the phone responds. Nothing.
6. I hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons both down at the same time until the Apple logo comes up on the screen.
7. The phone turns back on and works fine, until I do step 1 again. Then the problems start all over.

This is exactly the issue I am having. I get the 'Coma' as much as 9 times a day now. I had ZERO issues with 3.0 software and my phone has been babied (has never been dropped, has never been near water, has always had a case and screen protector). The phone has never been Jailbroken, but the prospect is looking much more a viable option given Apple's lack of respect for their customer. My phone is exactly (1) month out of warranty and now Apple does not want to acknowledge the issue that they have caused?

Seriously, I was debating an upgrade to 3GS, but now I will not be doing so. Apple's response to this BLATANT issue is repugnant and completely unsatisfactory. I work as an IT Consultant for a major company and as such I am 'that guy' that people go to for technology advise. I will make sure to steer people away from Apple hardware & software if Apple does not acknowledge their issue.

This thread and the people who post to it mean nothing to Apple. Don't kid yourselves. For every person here who claims disappointment and that Apple has lost a customer there are probably 100 new customers signing up every day.  They'll get to this issue when they get to it and we will all sit back and take it. And then come back for more the next day. Look at the disaster that is Windows. And yet Windows is everywhere. Quality is a coincidence.  Apple could fax each one of us an image of a middle finger in response to this thread and most of us still wouldnt give up our iPhones.  It's over and we lost.  I've got only a few minutes left before my iPhone goes into another coma.  

Same problem here. Thought it might have just gone away because it didn't do it for a couple days, but it's done it twice already this morning and it's only 9am. I know this post doesn't help people looking for a fix, but I just want to add my complaint to the growing mob of disappointed apple enthusiasts.

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would be more ethical for the company to recognize the problem and offer its customers an official way to return to the previous 3.01 version until to finally solve this question.

If an individual has a technical problem, you need to take up with the official channels. Either on the phone or in person at the genius bar.

Public announcements are never going to happen - its a side effect of the cult of secrecy and one upmanship. When the fix has been found - it will be rolled out without fuss or fanfare.

We can be sure they are working on a solution - and that jobs is shouting louder than anyine else - anything that tarnishes the reputation is not going to be popular.

I agree ANDML that is the way forward if a fast fix is not found.

I will be asking the genius to downgrade my phone to 3.0 and hope they don't care its a week out of warranty.

At least i will be able to show them my posts here to show the problem started BEFORE it ran out.

This is killing me. Freezes are still happening. Less frequent than last week but I am still getting lock ups. Question, is Genius Bar replacing iphone 3Gs even if apple care has ran out? Does Apple recognize this as a serious issue that is not the users fault?

Same issue for me. Since 3.1 this puppy has shutdown over a dozen times. Not battery related, as i took mine off the charge and launched mail and it just went black.

It is with great regret and disappointment that I must recall my post on page 85 that the iphone carrier configuration file would solve all the problems. It was fine for about 2-3 hours then started again with random shutdowns and freezes on the network, and once again requires, manual reboots to ensure connectivity. I will have to go back to Plan A and offer this 16gb iPhone for trade on Craigslist for a piece of used chewing gum, and note this item works well as an expensive paper weight. Verizon and Blackberry here I come.