Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on IRS Scandal

Live Now on TheBlaze Radio: ‘The Buck Sexton Show’

Technology

Here Are the iPhone 5′s Three Biggest Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Oct. 2, 2012 6:53pm Liz Klimas

The highly anticipated iPhone 5, which had more than 5 million sold within three days of being launched, has been rife with problems. Some of them can be fixed while others can’t.

Siobhan Keogh for New Zealand’s Stuff reviewed the device recently calling it the “most flawed iPhone in several generations.”

TheBlaze pulled together some of the three issues people have been having with their new Apple smartphones — and if there’s a fix, we’ve included it.

Map Mixup: Scores of iPhone 5 users have voiced complaints over Apple’s new mobile mapping service. Even Apple CEO Tim Cook said the project “fell short” of the company’s standards. Cook advised users to find another map service until Apple makes the necessary upgrades. Apple’s map service replaced Google maps on Apple devices in a software update last month. Cook said he was “extremely sorry” and expects upgrades to be available within the month.

iPhone 5 Sees Issues With Camera, Map and Wi Fi: Here Are Some Solutions

This screen shot image taken from an Apple iPad shows an Apple Map. (Photo: AP/Donald King)

Early upgraders are reporting that the new maps are less detailed, look weird and misplace landmarks. It's shaping up to be a rare setback for Apple. (Photo: AP)

Data-Draining Bug: Many iPhone users were going through all their data limits at an alarming rate when connected to Wi-Fi, they found. Verizon users experiencing the data-draining bug were issued an update from Apple and will not be charged for the excess data by Verizon, CNN reported. CNN goes on to note some AT&T customers made similar complaints as well. Some are even saying that the bug is not necessarily associated with iPhone 5 but with the new iOS6 system as a whole. TheBlaze’s Mike Opelka has experienced an issue with the system dropping Wi-Fi and has a non-Apple approved fix given to him by a tech “geek.” Opelka said the solution is to turn off the AUTO TIME SET function, set the clock ahead an hour. Then, shut down the device completely, restart and turn on the AUTO TIME SET. He said this “works like a charm.”
Camera Problems: Seeing the color purple while using your iPhone 5′s camera? It’s called the purple flare problem, according to Gizmodo. Apple has said that is a normal function of the iPhone 5. In a response to a user regarding the odd coloration, Apple advises he simply angle his phone’s camera away from bright lights when snapping shots.

This comparison shows the "purple flare" issue. (Image via Gizmodo)

Interestingly, Gizmodo in a separate post has also found iPhone 5 users complaining about the device being “too light” in terms of weight for their taste.

On the bright side, some have said the iPhone 5 could be one of the most durable devices. Although some have already shattered the glass faces of their new smartphones, others have conducted tests and found it holds up pretty well to abuse. 9to5Mac has pulled together videos of some of these tests. Although some of them are extreme and almost guaranteed to damage the phone, such as dunking, hammering, shooting, the most applicable test — a drop test — does provide some valuable information.

This video shows the phone holding up to a hardwood floor when at waist and head height and concrete when dropped at waist level. The screen does break on concrete when dropped from head height.

Let us know in the comments if you have more problems/solutions for the iPhone 5.

The Associated Press contribute to this report.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (31)

tokeeletrons
Posted on October 4, 2012 at 1:12pm
Now On Sales iPhone 5 / iPhone 4s / Galaxy S 3 we’ve sold thousands of Smartphone, Android, Mobile Phones kept our customers happily all over the world, so buy with us confidently. Exclusive Offer for all International buyer’s at affordable prices!!! Offer valid while stock last safety Drop Shipping Service & delivery Safety @ your Doorstep!!!

IPhone 5 LTE (Black, White)
16GB,,,£350
32GB,,,£400
64GB,,,£450

IPhone 4s (Black, White)
16GB,,,£270
32GB,,,£300
64GB,,,£330

Samsung (Black, White, Blue)
Galaxy S3 gt-i9300 (16gb),,£300
Galaxy S3 gt-i9300 (32gb),,£330
Galaxy S3 gt-i9300 (64gb),,£360

Promotional Offer!!! Buy 3 get 1 Free

For inquiry Order Contact:
TOKE ELECTRONS SERVICES
Email: toke_websales@hotmail.com / websales1@toke.com

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Sharlene
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 8:59pm
@Darmok – I’m an Apple owner. I made an excellent business decision when I purchased my Mac and iPhone 4-S. When someone makes a good business decision, don’t call it being a snob, it’s using good judgement in deciding what’s good and what isn’t. Unfortunately, you do not have this ability.
‘

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
jessix
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 3:55pm
Some people with little money, struggling every day to make their limited funds last until their next check or payday, will be among those standing on line for the newest Apple iphone release.

Who am I to judge these people when for under $1,000 they can purchase for themselves an antidepressant mood enhancer self-esteem booster that lasts them consistently all day every day, 24/7 for over a year and for as long as its needed? A psychotherapist, mood elevating drugs, a Porsche, and all sorts of other approved items for “healthy happy living” cannot be had for 20 times the cost of the newest fully-equipped iphone.

I’d say for some people nothing comes close to providing benefits that are available with the ownership of an iphone!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Joey.Herrigton
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 2:04pm
On a related topic, Please release “The Blaze TV” for Android!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
NorCalBlazer
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 1:44am
That’s the great thing abut a free market. If you think Apple products are overpriced then you’re really saying they don’t have value for you. No need to abuse the people on the other side of the fence no matter which you prefer. I used to be PC and made fun of the Apple fanboys, then I got tired of all the maintenance of the 4 PCs in the house and got Macs. Are there issues? Sure (they’re still computers), but I sure spend a lot less time keeping things running.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
right field
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:28am
I love capitalism and the ability to choose between products that improve and seek new customers based on quality and innovation. Competition improves everything – Apple will either improve their new iPhone or lose market share and profits.
Ever wonder what is wrong with our public school system, unions, the Federal government controlling health care, the TSA being in charge of airport security and the US Postal Service and virtually everything that comes out of Washington D.C.?????

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- sillyfreshness
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 1:52am
  I won’t by Apple anything. They have too much control over their products. Basically they make one model for everyone. There is no variety. It’s very communistic really. One size fits all. It’s an elitist product too. Too many Starbucks drinking soccer moms have their products. They also have too much control over their app development. I’m glad they are around as competition though.
  
  Report this comment
- danielmchick
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:05am
  @SillyFreshness Maybe you should consider less what others are doing and consider more on why the product is–or is not–appropriate for you.
  
  Report this comment
- sillyfreshness
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:37pm
  @DanielMChick
  
  Is that not what I just did? What don’t you understand?
  
  Report this comment
Sharlene
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:16am
I have a MacBook computer and I just got the 4-S phone a few months ago. I think Apple is one of the best companies to do business with. For a $99.00 per year charge you can take Apple’s One to One lessons (private one instructor and one student), for 1 hour, as many times as you can get an appointment.

Can anyone tell me of another company that offers such great customer service? Not Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Sony, Samsung or any other computer manufacturer that I am aware of offers such great customer service.

I never buy anything when it first comes out, precisely because there usually are bugs that have to be worked out. So for those of you who purchased the Iphone 5, quit your complaining you should have known better.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Netsurfer2
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 10:44pm
Why would you want an I-phone when you can have a Samsung S3 with quad-core, larger LCD HD screen, replaceable battery, memory card slot, Navigation that works. Free programs to download everywhere that are very useful and many other options? Apple doesn’t give you any of these options!

I think Apple has gotten out of touch with real values! Even though it’s your decision, I think your cheating yourself to buy the I-phone, but that’s my opinion!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Depressed_American
  Posted on October 2, 2012 at 10:56pm
  You can’t get the quad core galaxy s3 in the USA yet. I had been following the gs3 for a long time and was pissed that the gs3 is only a dual core phone in the USA……..
  
  Report this comment
- trinity76
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 9:41am
  I’ve had an Android phone for the past two years, and just got an iPhone 4s when the prices dropped prior to the iPhone5 launch.. So I think I’m qualified to discuss the similarities and differences between Android/iOS.
  
  While there are some (not inexpensive) Android phones out there that have more impressive hardware than the iPhone 4s and 5, iPhones still come out ahead for most people in terms of user experience.
  
  The customer service is usually fantastic (and if you have an Apple store in town, even better). The tight control over the iTunes app store (vs. Google Play) is a good thing, IMO. It’s resulted in a better online store experience, with more dependable apps.When Apple makes a mistake, like the Maps issue, they don’t tend to brush it under the rug or call it a “feature” – once the problem is confirmed, they usually tackle it head on. With iOS, things tend to work well, and work in a very intuitive way.
  
  At my job we have evaluated iOS and Android for quite a while. While we work on corporate applications with a “device neutral” perspective, Andriod has fallen short in so many ways. and we’re going full steam into deployment of iOS devices.
  
  I’m obviously not the only one who feels like this. Here’s a recent article from ZDNet, about tablets, that explains why the writer will likely buy an iPad mini and discontinue his use of a Android tablet of the same size.
  
  http://www.zdnet.com/ipad-mini-why-i-am-buying-one-as-soon-as-possible-7000005077
  
  Report this comment
THXll38
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 9:03pm
The odds of your phone falling flat on its back and/or face is rare. Do a corner drop test and see what happens. Over all though . . . not bad (in toughness).

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
meeester
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 8:19pm
How about an article about how to fix theblaze.com website so you can use it on a smartphone?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Mr.Fitnah
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 8:13pm
Get a droid problem solved.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- dawghowse
  Posted on October 2, 2012 at 8:47pm
  exactly!
  
  Report this comment
Secret Squirrel
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 7:56pm
.
Here’s the “fix” for your broken iPhone:
The new iPhone 5s will be out next month.
You know you gotta have it.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Exrepublisheep
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 7:32pm
Why are cell phones made of slippery plastic? Can’t they be made of…grainier…plastic?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Winedude
  Posted on October 2, 2012 at 8:23pm
  Not as pretty?
  
  Report this comment
- bpodlesnik
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 7:50am
  The iPhone is not made of plastic.
  
  Report this comment
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 7:23pm
1. Waiting in line for a new phone for days. FIX: Buy one over the internet.
2. Having a pimply faced “Genius” treat you like a complete buffoon. FIX: Get a droid.
3. That unmistakable feeling of Steve Jobs sodomizing you everytime you get an IPhone. FIX: Don’t buy apple.

And by the way, I have never had an Apple, I hate ATT and I am computer smart, so I can use WIndows. But I work with a bunch of Apple Snobs.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- dfissell
  Posted on October 2, 2012 at 7:59pm
  need a love button i hate apple devices there over priced and cant upgrade them not even a mem stick LAME
  
  Report this comment
- Kaoscontrol
  Posted on October 2, 2012 at 8:35pm
  And you are NOT a snob? ….Okay.
  
  Report this comment
- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on October 2, 2012 at 9:16pm
  I don’t walk around with my phone and shove it under peoples noses and say, “You should get with it and buy a phone that works, like my Apple”. Or rip on people if they use WIndows instead of spending 3 times the money on a Mac Book, “Because it works right out of the box, and doesn’t get viruses”.
  
  Yes, I am not a snob, unlike many Apple users.
  
  Report this comment
- bpodlesnik
  Posted on October 3, 2012 at 7:51am
  You sure are bragging up Windows in a snobby way.
  
  Report this comment
DrunkGOP_Hack
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 7:21pm
“Siobhan Keogh for New Zealand’s Stuff reviewed the device recently calling it the “most flawed iPhone in several generations.”

But rates it 4 out of 5 stars? ******!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
DrunkGOP_Hack
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 7:19pm
Im always dropping my phone like that.
dipwads.

what is wrong with people. It is a hand held computer you LOSERS!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Livia
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 7:19pm
you have more problems/solutions for the iPhone 5.

I have the solution. Don’t buy it. If you have a phone that is working now, and will make and receive calls, why rush out to get the newest? Is it going to cure cancer, stop the runaway debt, pay your bills and such? Why exactly do you NEED the newest, and to spend the hundreds of dollars on it? Surely, there is something else you could do with the money that would benefit you more than a new phone that has problems like the ones mentioned.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DrunkGOP_Hack
  Posted on October 2, 2012 at 7:23pm
  B3cCAUSE PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS!
  
  Report this comment
- Cataclysm
  Posted on October 2, 2012 at 9:01pm
  My cousin has the problem of running out and buying the a new IPhone every time they release a new one…. i think he’s on his tenth with him also breaking them. All of Apples products are over rated and over priced.
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.