back to article Yay for iOS 6.1, grey Wi-Fi iPhone bug is fix- AWW, SNAP

When Apple rolled out iOS 6.1, its first major update to iOS 6, yesterday, it introduced a series of bug fixes, software tweaks for iTunes and Siri and also added LTE support - but none of that was any use to the disconnected and discontented sufferers of a particular iPhone software flaw: greyed-out Wi-Fi. iPhone owners have …

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    1. Velv
      Coat

      Re: ElReg: "We asked Apple for a comment and have received no reply"

      "We asked Apple for a comment and have received no reply"

      I thought that this was just boiler plate text that El Reg bolted on the end of every article - I didn't think they actually bothered asking

      1. Euripides Pants
        Facepalm

        Re: ElReg: "We asked Apple for a comment and have received no reply"

        Of course they didn't reply, they gots no Wi-Fi!

      2. Don Jefe

        Re: ElReg: "We asked Apple for a comment and have received no reply"

        I'm sure they asked. El Reg has been on Apple's shitlist for many, many years. They used to make a big deal about being blackballed by Apple in all the related articles.

    2. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: ElReg: "We asked Apple for a comment and have received no reply"

      There is a ® after "We asked Apple for a comment and have received no reply" -- is that for the whole article or for that particular sentence?

  1. g e
    FAIL

    That really is a massive fail

    It's not like they don't know the damned hardware or anything.

    Antennagate was a moronic design flaw but this is mind-bending in its why-the-fuck-did-they-not-test-it-properly-ness. Or even the why-change-shit-which-aint-busted-ness.

    Dumbfounded.

    (Any chance of a boggled-mind icon?)

    1. jai

      Re: That really is a massive fail

      but is it? is it REALLY?

      Anna states that "One thread has 2,700 replies"

      We'll be generous and allow that every reply is from a seperate affected person, no one posted more than once to comment on whether or not they had any success with different suggestions.

      During the last quarter (i.e. since iOS6 has been preinstalled on all new iPhones) Apple sold 47.8 million iPhones

      [citation]http://thenextweb.com/apple/2013/01/23/tim-cook-apple-has-sold-over-500m-ios-devices-at-a-rate-of-10-per-second-in-q1-2013[/citation]

      So a quick bit of maths shows that at most only 0.005649% of iPhone iOS6 users are impacted by this and are so upset by it that they've found their to the Apple website forum to complain about it.

      That's not really a massive fail, it's a 0.005649% of a fail, really.

      1. Annihilator
        Boffin

        Re: That really is a massive fail

        "So a quick bit of maths shows that at most only 0.005649% of iPhone iOS6 users are impacted by this and are so upset by it that they've found their to the Apple website forum to complain about it."

        Well, no, because you're excluding the people who don't know that it happens, those that don't know of that website to post a complaint about it, and those who have just taken it back to Apple and had a replacement. I'd bet that a fair number of iPhone users don't know that they have wifi, or how to connect it. SWMBO doesn't, certainly.

      2. ArmanX
        Boffin

        Re: That really is a massive fail

        I beg to differ on your math; you assume that every single iPhone user affected by this posted in that forum. Obviously that is a poor assumption, since some part of iPhone users couldn't figure out how to plug in a USB device, let alone navigate to a forum. Since we have no idea how many support calls were made about this, we can only make up random numbers in the hope that our assumptions are correct; thus, if we assume rampantly speculate that:

        • 50% of users affected by this bug ignore it completely
        • 90% of the remainder never visit the forum (troubleshooting in other ways)
        • 75% of the users that visit the forum see that thread, and
        • 20% of the users that see that thread post in it, however
        • 25% of the posts are repeat posters.

        Given that the 2700 posts are only the tip of the iceberg, I calculate that it is actually only 0.5649% of a fail, and that this issue affects over a quarter of a million iPhones - a small but statistically relevant number!

        1. Rafael 1
          Boffin

          What we need

          is something like a Drake equation to calculate real problems from forum posts.

          1. Anonymous Coward
            Anonymous Coward

            Re: Drake equation

            Yes, we could call it the ArmanX/Rafael 1 Equation.

  2. csumpi
    Paris Hilton

    but look at the bright side

    at+t and verizon will double the iphone advertising because users will use more mobile data when they can't connect to wifi (and get charged for it).

    with all that advertising and new iphone sales, maybe even apple's stock price moves out of the shitter.

    1. futnuh
      Unhappy

      Re: but look at the bright side

      This bug cost me $700. I made the mistake of upgrading the day before I took a 3-week business trip to the US. My wifi stopped working and, not having time to swap the phone for a new one, ended up running up a huge data bill.

      1. stanimir

        Re: but look at the bright side

        buy the cheapest android you can find - like 100 quid or so (I see the dollar sign but I guess android there are not significantly more expensive).

  3. Shane8
    Trollface

    Working as intended...

    Your just holding it wrong....hold it correctly...for long enough...no need for hairdryer..problem solved!

    Makes me glad to not have a iPhone....welcoming the iFanbois downvotes!

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Working as intended...

      So no other phone on the planet has had a fault?

      Apple faults get a lot more media attention compared to other brands. Just like a fault on a BMW or VW gets attention but a fault on a KIA or Skoda doesn't.

      1. stanimir

        Re: Working as intended...

        Škoda is practically VW anyways.

  4. Mo McRoberts

    I wonder of those whose WiFi doesn't work post-upgrade have considered just speaking to Apple about it? It's not like it's an intermittent thing or anything — take it into the Genius Bar, show them it greyed out, and you should get it swapped as defective pretty sharpish. IME they'll do a like-for-like swap for much less severe issues…

  5. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    You hands are too cold

    Try warming your hands first.

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: You hands are too cold

      I put my hands in the microwave for a bit (took bloody ages to jam the door sensor properly).

      Hurt like billy-o and didn't fix the iPhone. I think your suggestion was a pretty poor one, in retrospect. On the plus side, once I've done the same with my head it will look like I've got a lovely tan.

  6. BeerTokens
    WTF?

    Out of warranty?

    Why are they unable to get apple to fix this, if their phone is out of warranty. Coming from the end of the scale where I download the odd package and obscure program with the program writer explicitly telling me that he has made this code available for those who wish to use it but offers no warranty or guarantees when running the program I know if it does not work then tuff titties. I would assume that if Apple allow a customer of theirs to download and install an update to their device they would be responsible for fixing it or at least offering a solution, other wise I would say that they have supplied something that is not fit for purpose via their store, free or not.

    As far as I'm concerned it is their software, their device they are responsible for it.

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: "Out of warranty"?

      EU regulations give a consumer up to 6 years from the date of purchase to raise a claim for defects in materials or workmanship.

      For how this relates to the UK see http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/how-to-complain

      1. Richard 12 Silver badge
        Unhappy

        Re: "Out of warranty"?

        Although Apple have been known to deliberately ignore this, and not all consumers are either certain enough of their rights, or well-connected enough to make enough noise for Apple to acknowledge it.

        1. Anonymous Coward
          Anonymous Coward

          Re: "Out of warranty"?

          You don't need to be well connected. Consumer focused laws are generally regulator enforced, so no need for expensive lawyers either.

          1. Monty Burns

            Re: "Out of warranty"?

            "You don't need to be well connected. Consumer focused laws are generally regulator enforced, so no need for expensive lawyers either."

            When I'm living in the UK I often resort to using them (Last case was a Renault Megane Cab where the electric windows failed) and from my experience they are NOT regulator enforced, they are COURT enforced. Difference is that you can end up taking the retailer (Maybe not Apple, maybe Carphone Wharehouse or T-Mobile or whoever) to court which incurs charges where regulators generally don't.

            And mention taking a big company to court and most people will run a mile! (even though they could be assured (as can be with a court) of a victory against a corporation)

    2. HappyBlue
      WTF?

      Re: Out of warranty?

      So let me get this straight ...

      Apple tell you that you never own the device and so you can't jailbreak it, but if you have a problem, it's nothing to do with them?? Don't we call that double-standards?

  7. Ian Watkinson
    WTF?

    So if you have this problem, you take it back to apple and they exchange it for a handset that works.

    What's the problem here exactly? Oh there's a couple of people that took a gamble, that they'd buy the phone cheap in another country, and now can't use their warranty. Well wasn't that the gamble?

    If it's affecting an iphone sold in the UK, then your sale of goods act covers you, not of merchantable quality and DURABILTY.

    Job's'a'goo'dun...

    1. Intractable Potsherd
      FAIL

      After all, it isn't like people move from one country to another for work, education, or other purposes, is it? These people were *of course* stupid not to rebuy all new kit from the country they are going to be in for the next few months ...

      Sorry, you fail hard on this one.

  8. Piro Silver badge

    But lest we forget: Apple has had many issues

    Yet a few months down the line, the fanboys will be once again claiming Apple stuff is somehow better built than $OTHERVENDOR. It's not magical stuff, Apple doesn't care about your problem, just another shiny box pusher.

  9. Dave Perry

    My iPad 2 is fine

    Bought a refurbished one last week, it arrived with 6.0.1 on it and went on wifi fine. Updated it to 6.1 and still rockin.

    Not tried updating the iPhone (4S) yet, will backup tonight and give it a whirl then.

    1. Silverburn
      Facepalm

      Re: My iPad 2 is fine

      Woopie doo. <slow clap>

      Everyone stop commenting now - transparently the post author and the 2,700 apple posters are all in on the joke but clever Dave never felt for it.

  10. Eddie Edwards
    FAIL

    Photo caption fail

    That's not where the earphone socket is on an iPhone. The iPhone 5 has it at the bottom and the iPhone 4 has it the other side. Oddly, the earphone socket doesn't occupy the same physical space as the camera. The power button is there instead.

  11. Simon Harris
    Paris Hilton

    Another heated the device up in a special place with a hairdryer

    What? They managed to get an iPhone and a hairdrier into that special place?

    Paris... because, err... well, she has some 'special places'... (or so I'm told!)

    1. Silverburn
      Paris Hilton

      Re: Another heated the device up in a special place with a hairdryer

      Except when they have higher throughput than waterloo, they cease to be special.

  12. We're all in it together
    Facepalm

    In that case then

    I have a working wifi signal on mine but I can't be bothered to switch it off with software. Given heat switches it on if I put it in the freezer overnight will my wifi stop?

  13. Anonymous Coward
    Pint

    Apple......

    Just wanted to see how many downvotes I get for just saying it LOL!

    1. Monty Burns

      Thats not how you do it, you need to post either:

      "Apple rocks, Google Sucks"

      or

      "Google rocks, Apple sucks"

      Of course which you use depends on the subject of the story and your aim, either + or - votes. Simples.

  14. Paul F
    Meh

    Mine works fine.

    If you have that problem then it's a defective phone. Go get it exchanged and restore from backup. Simple. Lots of whinging for a simple fix.

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Mine works fine.

      restore from backup

      The only problem with restore from backup is that iTunes only retains the last backup. The moment you jack in, guess what it erases first? Before you do *anything* else with an iPhone, disable the automatic backup start or you may find you don't *have* backup.

      I'm OK with their approach to usability and simplicity, but that is just flat out criminally stupid.

      1. Tim Bates

        Re: Only problem

        That isn't the only problem... Apple's backup doesn't seem to back up the entire device. It seems particularly keen to not back up anything it thinks iTunes put on in the first place.

        I'm not talking about a one off loss of data here - we've seen it dozens of times when people need to factory reset their iDevice for whatever reason.

    2. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Mine works fine.

      Heating works obviously because a BGA mounted IC (chip) has a poor connection. This is a hardware fault that is hard to workaround in software.

  15. JohnMurray

    iphone 3gs

    Running 6.0.1.

    WiFi works no problem. In fact everything works. No problems.

    In fact it even, with the addition of a 3uk sim, changes from O2 to 3UK...and works...it never did that before.

    (setting-carrier-automatic off-3g on...)

  16. Andy Fletcher

    Reflowing? Seriously?

    I did that with a broken PS3 (750w heat gun, not a hairdryer though - I'm a bloke). I can't imagine doing it to something that's still in warranty though.

  17. Dana W
    Trollface

    Another Apple problem I never even HEARD of Till El Reg filled me in.

    Since it does not effect me or anyone I know with an iPhone I shall fee free to ignore it.

    Thanks for the heads up on the update though, my policy with iOS updates has always been to wait till you tell us that is a disaster and fixes nothing. Then it always works like a charm. "The only bad update I ever got was when I ignored your sage advice"

    "The biggest reason for this update I expect is to kill the new iOS jailbreak that should be releasing soon.. So its staying away from my iPad."

    1. Fred Flintstone Gold badge

      wait till you tell us that is a disaster and fixes nothing. Then it always works like a charm.

      Funny that, I have that with film reviews. I'd say that around 80% of the more entertaining movies I watched in 2012 were panned by the "experts" :)

  18. BrokenWing

    Reset all

    My iPhone 4S had major slowing of the wifi after the IOS6 update and I was reluctant to try most of the options presented as a "fix". In the end I did try them in increasing order of "pain in the arseness". The only one that worked was "Reset All Settings", which was a major annoyance, having to re-enter wifi passwords, lock codes, background pictures, ring tones etc. but at least I have decent wifi again.

  19. Mark Fenton
    Coat

    Works for on my machine

    ...(I know I shouldn't say that...I slap testers for saying that...)....but still...I bought my iPhone 4s because it is the only modern device that works with my in car bluetooth. I'd rather be having a....that is a different story.

    Anyways - upgraded through all the various OS incarnations through to 6.1 - and all is still well. WiFi can be switched on/off no problems. In fact I'd never even heard of this issue before.

    That said, if it had happened to me - I'd be right royally ticked off. And yes - Apple are supposed to be about standard hardware/firmware - so this shouldn't ever happen!

    Getting my coat for saying "it works on my machine"

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Works for on my machine

      "so this shouldn't ever happen!"

      Yeah really - you sell 200m+ phones and you will get a small failure rate. Get real.

    2. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Works for on my machine

      "Works fine on my machine is perfectly valid" from a tester ... as long as it's followed by "because ..."

      If it's not, then a slap really isn't punishment enough

  20. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Suspect Samsung would love 2700 non-faulty handsets - would be interesting to compare failure rates on the iPhone 5 vs S3 or similar.

    1. Richard 12 Silver badge

      They'll be roughly the same

      You can tell because both companies are making money on them.

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