Apple Un-Squashes WiFi Bug


The recent release of iOS 4.3.3 has resulted in the reappearance of an old bug that Apple had previously fixed. This bug, first seen about a year ago, caused iPads to have weak, constantly fluctuating or non-existent WiFi signals.

These connectivity problems are no longer limited to just the iPad either. Both iPod and iPhone devices have reported having the same issues. The exact manifestation of the problems with each device seems to vary.

The key reports of the problems being experienced indicate:

  • devices can connect to WiFi networks, but the icon indicator isn’t visible
  • devices show as having a signal, but can never connect to the Internet
  • devices can use WiFi, but only when close to their wireless routers
  • devices lose WiFi connection after sleep
  • WiFi connections fluctuate wildly during use, sometimes being very strong then moments later, very weak

When the initial bug first surfaced, the workaround was to disable, then re-enable the WiFi connection. Current suggestions are similar, but indications of success are as inconsistent as the symptoms reported.

Unfortunately for Apple, it appears WiFi is a constant source of woe. Problems have been popping up intermittently since the release of iOS 3.0. It is frustrating for loyal users of Apple products as we want to upgrade to the current iOS without having to worry about something as precious as our network connections.

Of even more concern is that there are reports of problems with 3G service on some of these updated devices as well.

As of this writing, Apple has not acknowledged this problem, so no reliable workarounds or scheduled repairs have been announced.

[via ReadWriteWeb]

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