Apple claims the flaky proximity sensor in the iPhone 4 has been fixed by the iOS 4.1 update. But there’s mounting evidence that the proximity sensor isn’t fixed at all.
I’ve done a variety of tests on my iPhone and the sensor just flat-out isn’t working for me at times. I’ve performed a test by standing in front of a mirror in a dimly lit room and observed the sensor not working and behaving erratically.
Meanwhile, iPhone user Ryan Bell has performed a series of comprehensive tests using Apple’s iPhone configuration utility, and finds that iOS 4.1 doesn’t fix the proximity sensor.
The proximity sensor problems are being blamed on software bugs, relocation of the proximity sensor due to the addition of the front facing camera, or greasy ear canals.
But now that the iOS 4.1 update has been released to the masses, we’ve all became iPhone 4 proximity sensor beta testers. Together, we can crowdsource testing of Apple’s claims.
So clean out your ear canals, screw that iPhone 4 to your ear for a while, make a few phone calls, and share the results of your tests with that utility in the comments. (Perhaps you could monitor the proximity sensor using the Configuration Utility, as we showed you here.)
Please let us know by voting in the poll below whether or not the update fixed the problems you’ve had with the proximity sensor in the iPhone 4. Vote below — is the proximity fixed or not?
[polldaddy poll=”3714664″]
David W. Martin has more than 20 years of experience in the industry as a programmer, systems and business analyst, author, and consultant. David has written for CNET’s iPhoneatlas.com, MacLife.com, CultofMac.com, BYTE.com and recently for aNewDoman.net. He comes to Cult of Mac’s website with deep knowledge and passion for the all things Apple. Follow David on Twitter @david_w_martin or see what he’s up to now at davidwmartin.com.
