iPhone 4: A recall?

Just days after its release of the iPhone 4, Apple has sold a record-breaking 1.7 million units. However, enough customers have been reporting problems — most notably, a frustrating loss of cellular reception caused by simply holding the phone a certain way — that bad buzz has begun circulating. When a Twitter user jokily impersonating Apple CEO Steve Jobs suggested this weekend that a recall was in order, critics and disgruntled customers began lobbying for Apple to take action. Though the real Jobs has called the reception problem a "non issue," could Apple be forced into a recall? (Watch one fan's demonstration of Apple 4 reception problems)

If it's a software issue, relief could be quick: If the iOS 4.0.1 software update that's expected this week resolves the problem, says Amanda Fox in Helium, "recall rumors will stop." More likely, however, the update will fail to "fully" address the glitch, and iPhone 4 users will "really start lobbying for a recall." Unfortunately, Steve Jobs most likely won't listen,"no matter how loudly people scream."

"Steve Jobs tweets iPhone 4 recall possible? It may all boil down to iOS 4.0.1"

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Apple can afford to see this as a 'non issue': Apple's handling of the iPhone 4 problems has been arrogant, says Kit Eaton in Fast Company. But given the phone's impressive sales — and the fact that the rumored software upgrade should "go some way (if not all the way) to addressing the problems" — Steve Jobs may not have to worry "whether the media criticizes Apple or not."

"iPhone 4 'most successful' product launch, defying the antenna critics"

Apple can't ignore this: Apple "certainly" must do something, says Jonny Evans in Computer World. Failing to resolve these issues could seriously "damage Apple's hard-won and much coveted credibility," and "emerge as a watershed moment in Apple's leadership within the smartphone business." Put simply, "Apple must turn this disadvantage into an advantage by whatever means necessary."

"Apple at risk: Millions await iPhone 4 patch"