My iPhone 4 32GB (got it yesterday) is having a rattle issue too, and considering that I've also noticed that the proximity sensor stops working during calls makes me think it's the proximity sensor. I can't believe Apple is having so many manufacturing issues with these phones. This is very uncharacteristic of them.
I've checked the power/sleep button, the volume buttons, and the vibrate switch, and none of them is the culprit. Other than the proximity issue and rattle, the phone is great - no reception issue like Gizmodo won't shut up about. I'll make a genius bar appointment and let you guys know what they say.
I had an iPhone 3G, and never had this issue-I even checked it this morning. I spoke with an AppleCare rep, and he wanted me to restore my phone-which would do nothing about the rattle, but he said might fix the proximity sensor issue. I'm a work and cant take the time to deal with that so I got a case number and will call back later.
Got the rattle too. I already returned one for a replacement b/c there was something loose inside and would rattle when I shook it. The sent me a replacement and this one doesn't have anything loose inside, but when I put down on it's back it definitely makes a rattle sound near the camera. Not sure what to do about it.
Mine definitely has a slight rattle. If I just shake the phone or put it down with the screen facing down it is sold. But if I put it down on the back or tap on the back near the camera there is a slight rattle. My 3GS did this also, but I only noticed it after a while and assumed it was because I had dropped it at one point. Anyone know if this is "normal"?
For anyone who is hearing a rattling sound from the iPhone 4 when you shake it. It is the sleep/wake button/power button.
Try shaking the iPhone 4. You will hear the rattle. Now place your finger on the sleep/wake button and shake the iPhone 4 again and you SHOULD NOT hear the rattle.
It is NOT the power/sleep button on my phone. I've checked all of the buttons, and it is not any of them. I'm having the proximity sensor problem that others are having, and I'm wondering if it may be due to the proximity sensor being loose. As I mentioned, when I spoke to AppleCare the rep had no idea what the rattle could be, although the genius I spoke with at the Apple Store said that it sounded like it could be the gyroscope, which is located within the top left corner of the phone.
I'm wondering if I should take the phone back and either wait a few months for Apple to make changes to the manufacturing process or a bit longer until Verizon gets the iPhone- Which would fix not just the hardware problem, but also the problem with poor network coverage.
My iPhone 4 developed the rattle after about a week of normal use. Took it into the local Apple store and they swapped it for a new one without any hassle earlier today. They weren't convinced it was a serious problem, but they agreed it definitely wasn't normal.
My rattle was definitely the power button, but they seemed to think the cause was inside the phone, specifically the mechanism that handles the vibration. At any rate, the new phone seems to not exhibit the problem at the moment, so we'll see after about a week.
After checking out some other boards, it seems like the rattling noise in my iPhone 4 may be the camera's autofocus. Apparently 3GS models rattle when you tap on the back by the camera. Can anyone who has a 3GS attest to this? Obviously, if one phone doesn't rattle, then none of them should...
My phone does it and it's in the rear camera area also. I think it's probably something that is meant to move a little because everything still feels solid and the phone functions normally despite the noise. I can't remember if my 3GS did it, but I'll have to unbox it and try to replicate.
As far as the proximity sensor goes, I'm thinking the issue there is unrelated to the rattle and can be cured with a software update (hopefully). I wonder if they moved it since the front camera is near where it used to be positioned on the 3GS. Maybe it's all about position.
