9to5Mac Oct 08 25
The 20 bytes of code that fixed Antennagate in the iPhone 4:
Ah, 2010. The year when Apple launched the iPad, but the limelight was stolen by something else ...
9to5mac.com/2025/10/08/a-15-year-mystery-solved-the-20-bytes-of-code-that-fixed-antennagate/
Photo: 9to5mac.com · view article
20 Bytes Fixed iPhone 4 Antenna Signal IssueIn 2010, a minor software fix corrected iPhone 4’s inaccurate signal bar display, easing user complaints and legal pressures.
Key FactsOct 8, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: 9to5mac.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: 9to5mac.com
- The iPhone 4 experienced sharp drops in displayed signal bars when held in certain ways, sparking the Antennagate controversy.
- The root cause was an erroneous formula that overrepresented signal strength by displaying more bars than actual reception warranted.
- A 20-byte code modification adjusted the signal bar thresholds to produce smoother and more realistic signal strength indicators.
- Apple addressed the fallout by offering free bumper cases, settling a class-action lawsuit, and enhancing antenna design in the iPhone 4S.
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