Q: Static in Iphone 4s

Same static noise. This is even my second one got from Apple but didn't fix the issue.

Name: iPhone 4S

Model: iphone_4S

Group1: iPhone

Group2:

Generation: 6

ModelCode: iphone_4S

Machine Model: iPhone4,1

Model introduced: 2011

Production year: 2011

Production week: 45  (November)

introduced test: GOED

CPU speed: 800MHz

Screen size: 3.5 inch

Screen resolution: 960x640 pixels

Colour: Black

Capacity: 16GB

Factory: C3 (China)

Has anyone tried setting up their phone as a new phone instead of loading from a Backup, such as iCloud? The only reason I mention this is because I bought two phones, one for myself, and one for my wife. She has no problems with her phone at all, and the only difference between her phone and mine is that she did a clean install.

I have had my new 64 GB Black iPhone 4S on AT&T for two weeks, and I just first noticed the static problem today.  The faint static is there in the ear piece whether I am making a call or not.  I updated to iOS 5.1 when it came out.  I suspect that the problem is new, but given that it is faint, it may have been an issue longer.  I'm reluctant to return it for another one, in case the new one has the same, or even worse, problems.  Here is the information on the phone in case it is helpful:

Name: iPhone 4S

Model: iphone_4S

Group1: iPhone

Group2:

Generation: 6

ModelCode: iphone_4S

Machine Model: iPhone4,1

Model introduced: 2011

Production year: 2011

Production week: 45 (November)

introduced test: GOED

Family name: Become a pro user to see this information.(sorry)

Screen size: 3.5 inch

Screen resolution: 960x640 pixels

Colour: Black

Capacity: 64GB

Factory: C3 (China)

Any news? Or everybody get used with static?

I heard from my friend that still exist on 5.1 beta 2

I was going to wait until after x-mas to get another replacement, hopefully from a new production batch.

I gave up on apple on this. It is for my own sanity and happiness. But I do hope apple will solve it since I expect excellence and quality. The slight static appears when there's data over 3G NOT during a call conversation. I can hear the static while just using safari.

I've heard an iphone from a friend of mine, who claims there is no static noise. And...of course, it was there..

There are a lot of phones with this issue, but the owners doesn't notice it.

I've already got my money back. I still thinking all 4S are affected. Come on Apple! are you going to admit this "staticgate"?

Add me to the list. Bought my iPhone 4S 16GB White and several hours later noticed the issue. Once you know it's there, it becomes even more prominent. Got it replaced and the replacement has the same issue. Also, a friend just purchased his 4S a day before mine and I tested it and can confirm the issue exists with his phone as well. He purchased his from Best Buy, my orginal was purchased at AT&T and replaced at the Apple store.

Venturing a guess, it appears as though all iPhones are affected. It seems almost impossible for so many of these units, all purchased at different times and locations, to be affected in such a consistent way. The majority of users probably do not notice the static either because they can't hear it or think it's normal or simply don't want to appear crazy. When I took it to the Genius Bar the woman dialed the phone from a house line and swore to me should could hear no static. When I took the phone from her I heard it immediately, but that's because I knew what to listen to. I work in the microelectronics industry and when integrated circuits make this kind of noise, the issue tends to be related to (1) incorrect voltage or (2) a faulty component. Faulty components can continue to work within expected parameters, but will emit an electronic buzz/humm/static/whine/crackling. I'm doubtful that Apple can ever solve this issue with a software fix, but they may be able to fix it by identifying the issue and fixing it in their future production. At that stage it's probably going to be worthwhile to get a replacement -- assuming that Apple's service stock has caught up, which is definitely not going to happen for a while even after the issue has been fixed.

The same issue here with two scenarios: a) when on a call, I can hear a faint buzzing noise coming from the earpiece; b) when in process of downloading/uploading data (no matter the app) a louder rattling noise is audible on the back of the phone (around Apple's logo). I noticed though that changing position of the phone makes the static during calls disappear. Strange... I am from Bulgaria (EU), my mobile operator is GloBul. Here is my data:

Serial number: DNW*********

Name: iPhone 4S

Model: iphone_4S

Group1: iPhone

Group2:

Generation: 6

ModelCode: iphone_4S

Machine Model: iPhone4,1

Model introduced: 2011

Production year: 2011

Production week: 42 (October)

introduced test: GOED

CPU speed: 800MHz

Family name: Become a pro user to see this information. (sorry)

Screen size: 3.5 inch

Screen resolution: 960x640 pixels

Colour: Black

Capacity: 16GB

Factory: DN (China, Chengdu - Foxconn)

PS. Sadly this thread seems to be fading away...

@dwilliams8649

Seems like only you / your wife iPhone4s which has no static problem.

Could you please paste in your mobile phone data (factory, model, introduced, production year, etc) ? maybe we can see what really the difference is ? I do really hope there is really working iPhone4s, which I honestly doubt.

Yeah, me too. I returned my iPhone4s because of that problem and I take a look at this post regularly to know, if it's "safe" to buy a new one or should forget about the iPhone4s...

I noticed this also. Depending on the way the phone is held the static can be either less or more prominent, but there is no consistency when it comes to holding the phone a certain way. The issue could also be caused by electromagnetic interference or poor shielding. The real problem is that this issue *probably* can't be solved with a software fix, which makes the issue a potentially serious hardware defect. Only Apple knows for sure.

As of the 10th of December, my iPhone 4S was returned as well. I do not regret this decision at all and I hope Apple comes to terms with the issue and can fix it. I don't know if this will become a big deal as so many people I've heard from and talked with seem to be ok with paying the high premium of the phone and living with the defect. I will also state that although there are phones that do not appear to exhibit symptoms, all phones can make the sounds, albeit at different volumes. I repeat: ALL PHONES HAVE THIS DEFECT. I have tested >10 phones from replacements, friends and family, and all can and will make the crackling, static sound. Even my girlfriend's phone, which I originally thought lacked the issue can easily demonstrate it.

If you are at all curious, or want to prove to someone that these sounds are being made on a new iPhone 4S, all you need to do is to follow these steps and see for yourself.

1. Take the phone to a quiet area

2. Turn off wifi (this makes the sound more prevalent I think because it is a problem with the 3G antennae)

3. start the camera app on video

4. swap apps to email and push for all email

5. quickly swap apps back to the camera and start recording

6. sound will be available for at least 10 seconds or so, depending on your connection to 3G.

Most phones that I used still make the sound after this 10 second period, but it might be less noticeable. In my opinion, the more of these types of videos that make it to youtube, the more attention this issue will see, and we can all pray and hope for a resolution.

My videos demonstrating the sounds can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LpZidoxMgc&context=C237d6ADOEgsToPDskLBIe2Mk04ET VnfsexIFjb6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t7aks0L4I8&context=C2519eADOEgsToPDskLg_vSIy6zca 6yv3Wlf2vs2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J15sPbWZw1c&context=C2a25cADOEgsToPDskJLwzYE5IkEx yrlrs9XGt6L

Best of luck with all your troubles!