Apple to address iPhone 4 issues Friday

The iPhone launch might have been the biggest in Apple’s history, but it has also been marred by numerous complaints about the device’s antenna. Now, Apple appears ready to discuss consumer concerns and perhaps announce what it plans to do to address those issues.  

The Cupertino-based company will hold a press conference Friday at 10am. It has declined to give details about who will speak or what will be addressed.

While there has been some chatter of an outright recall of the phone, analysts have downplayed the likelihood of that, given the expense. Some speculate the company will offer free rubber bumpers for the phone, which have been reported to help resolve the issue.

With over 1.7 million iPhones sold in just 4 days, the system is an undeniable success, but problems with the antenna have been widespread. Apple initially blamed those on a software bug, but that hasn’t muted growing criticism – including a high-profile reversal from Consumer Reports, which went from glowingly singing the praises of the iPhone 4 to saying it could not recommend the device, given its flaws.