The current theory about the problem is that the Wi-Fi chip in some iPhones has been throttled back, but this restriction was lifted somehow by installing v2.2.1 firmware. Since a rollback doesn't work either, there has been speculation that a driver update included with the firmware may not be rolling back. Whatever the reason for it, there is plenty of concern that the damage may be permanent.
Some users have had their handsets replaced under warranty, with Apple suggesting to ask for a model without v2.2.1 software installed. "Just got off the phone with an Apple representative who didn't hesitate at all to make an appointment for me at my local Apple Store for a replacement iPhone with the note to NOT have the 2.2.1 OS installed," one poster commented on Apple's support forums.
Apple has stayed (as usual) silent on the issue, so affected users have no idea whether it is a software problem that can be fixed with a simple patch, or a permanent problem that will require a replacement handset.
Written by: James Delahunty @ 11 Apr 2009 17:58
