Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls

I can't verify the heat part for sure, but I will say that if I keep my calls under 2 minutes the problem happens less frequently. The longer the call, the more problems. However, I think it has to do with the previous findings on this forum that there is a memory issue. The sensor seems to function properly at first but if it takes a second reading at .25" then any distance over that is trouble.

Also, let me add my two cents that I don't believe you should make excuses for Apple on using your shoulder to hold the phone. Like other posts on here, I never had a problem with my 3GS.

I'm tired of all this stress. I think I'm going to return it Monday. I have a feeling it will be coming out for Verizon within a year anyway.

Yikes! Just got my iPhone 4 yesterday. Restored from my 3G backup after work. I got so distracted just playing with it that I just realized I only made one 10min call last night, and I muted it accidentally. Didn't think anything of it until I saw this monster thread! Ouch!

Haven't been able to read this whole thread, but it goes back a while. I take it I have a phone from one of the most recent batches, so it looks like an exchange probably won't do the trick. On the bright side, hopefully this means it is a software issue.

Message was edited by: LorangeJuice

Message was edited by: LorangeJuice

Sorry lorangejuice... If only we had gotten to you sooner : ) I had the same experience. The new display is so dazzling that it took me 4 hang ups and a mute to finally realize it was a problem. I'd say return it before you get too attached.

LorangeJuice wrote:
Yikes! Just got my iPhone 4 yesterday. Restored from my 3G backup after work. I got so distracted just playing with it that I just realized I only made one 10min call last night, and I muted it accidentally. Didn't think anything of it until I saw this monster thread! Ouch!

Haven't been able to read this whole thread, but it goes back a while. I take it I have a phone from one of the most recent batches, so it looks like a return probably won't do the trick. On the bright side, hopefully this means it is a software issue.

Message was edited by: LorangeJuice

Well, there goes that theory. Same factory, same week. Do you know what production unit it was? (really fishing for hope here.. lol)

Yeah, I don't use a screen protector either. I guess it's probably more to do with you not letting the phone touch your face. If it doesn't hit your face, then I guess it can't dial, can it. lol. Thanks.

lavrishevo wrote:
@iPhoneFan

Factory 88 week 25

I also do not use a screen protector.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=952544

Funny... I've actually been HOLDING my phone calls differently since I've been having this problem.

For me, the issue is that the sensor works, but doesn't "turn off" the buttons.

So, I am tending to talk with the phone pointed diagonally OUT from my ear, so the phone surface is in no way touching my face.

Obviously pinning the phone between my ear and shoulder is a no-go.

RyeDarrow wrote:
Sorry lorangejuice... If only we had gotten to you sooner : ) I had the same experience. The new display is so dazzling that it took me 4 hang ups and a mute to finally realize it was a problem. I'd say return it before you get too attached.

LorangeJuice wrote:
Yikes! Just got my iPhone 4 yesterday. Restored from my 3G backup after work. I got so distracted just playing with it that I just realized I only made one 10min call last night, and I muted it accidentally. Didn't think anything of it until I saw this monster thread! Ouch!

Haven't been able to read this whole thread, but it goes back a while. I take it I have a phone from one of the most recent batches, so it looks like a return probably won't do the trick. On the bright side, hopefully this means it is a software issue.

Message was edited by: LorangeJuice

I think it might be too late for that, lol! Well, I'll keep trying it out at least throughout the weekend, actually making some calls this time, lol!

Come to think of it, I remember my launch 3G being real buggy when I first got it (not proximity), and it got better and better with each software update. This includes reception issues. Keeping my fingers crossed until my return date comes...

I think most of the angst on this thread is because Apple simply hasn't acknowledged this is a problem.

Of course we realize that we're "early adopters" and everything is not 100% guaranteed to be 100% perfect with an electronic device, much less one right off the assembly line.

But the silence is deafening. Tech Support's feigned ignorance is amazing. And the overall perceived hubris just might cost Apple some good, loyal customers.

That's the "story" here.

I agree about the feigned ignorance.
I was in the apple store yesterday exchanging my phone in hopes it would solve the problem. It did for about 15 minutes at which point the sensor started acting whacky again.
That said, the "genuis" I worked with stated I was the only person that was having this problem and that he would have to replicate the problem in the store before he could give me a new phone.
I told him he could put my phone in the location that obviously was powering his "genuis" brain and then showed him on google the 10,000 articles about this sensor problem. He was "shocked" to hear about this problem. WHAT!? HAS APPLE gotten so arrogant that they've actually placed their heads into their *****?
Is this what apple really thinks we're like?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg

Message was edited by: Isaac Newton

That is indeed the "story", Ed.
Just rather surprised that the usual mac-centric sites haven't followed-up on this too...

My replacement iP4 (with same issue) is also
Factory 88
Week 25

Apple should come up and acknowledge the fault and keep up to it's name.

Here is a test for you all. Call Apple or whatever automated number, cover the sensor so the screen turns off and touch all over the screen to see if you can activate any of the buttons. I just tried this and I can't activate any incall option with my screen off.

Yup. It starts happening around the 5 minute mark. "heating up" seems to be playing some part in this. Just happened to me while outside in the 100+ degree heat of Las Vegas.

Apple removed my comment from this thread saying it was off topic which is entirely untrue.

Anyway ... I'm on my fourth iphone and EVERY single one has had the issue. Even had an "advance replacement" sent to me from tech support which they told me is tested for issues. Every phone will have the issue, some people just don't notice it since they don't hit any buttons. They have moved the sensor above the ear piece and now only have one as opposed to two like the 3GS. Thats about the worst thing they could of ever done, besides the antenna 🙂 Seriously, this phone has design flaws period. Why have they not responded to the prox sensor issue?

My suggestion, is to send an email to them and ask why. If enough people ask for an explanation then they should get one.

And that apple, is not off topic. Although I'm sure you will remove my post again.