Apple today announced that iOS 4.1, due next week, will fix a number of significant issues that have affected users of iOS 4. These include:
- Bluetooth: an issue in which Bluetooth devices that worked well with previous iPhone models delivered muffled or muddy sound when paired with the iPhone 4. Users experiencing this issue report that people on the other end of phone calls say the iPhone 4 caller sounds as if he is “in a tunnel” or “underwater.” Other users report static, popping or otherwise poor audio quality. Users have reported this issue with Bluetooth headsets from Jawbone, Motorola, Plantronics and others, as well as several car-based Bluetooth systems.
- iPhone 3G Slowness. A number of iPhone 3G users have experienced a significant degradation in performance after the iOS 4.0 update. iPhone 3GS users generally report across-the-board performance improvements with the new update, but original iPhone 3G users have reported slow app launching, delayed reactions to taps, and generally poor interface responsiveness.
- Proximity Sensor Issues. An issue in which the iPhone 4 unexpectedly mutes a call, hangs up or engages FaceTime when the device is held up to the ear. This problem occurs due to apparent under-sensitivity of the iPhone 4′s proximity sensor, which turns off the screen (and touch capabilities) when the phone is held to the ear. In other words, the proximity sensor does not properly engage, and the user’s cheek or ear accidentally touches the mute button or other functions. In other cases, it appears that the proximity sensor is not engaging at all, leaving the screen on and touchable while the iPhone 4 is held to the ear.