Apple iPhone iOS 4.0.1 update causing problems

The iOS 4.0.1 update is adding to Apple's woes

Apple iPhone users who have downloaded the iOS 4.0.1 update released yesterday are experiencing a number of issues, including error messages during installation and in some cases even worse reception than before.

The Apple Forum has been inundated with complaints of an 'error nine' message which indicates that the device is disconnected from the USB port even though they have not disconnected the device.

"Same problem here with the 'nine' error. I've tried restoring about 15 times so far on two different computers (one Mac, one Windows 7), using two different USB cables and downloaded the update file multiple times," one user wrote.

"I've reinstalled iTunes on both machines, rebooted both computers, and tried some of the other tips and tricks people have mentioned on the forums. Nothing's working [and I'm] waiting anxiously for some answers here."

Another frustrated user recommended holding off on upgrading to iOS 4.0.1, adding that this is "another black eye for Apple".

Some iPhone owners have speculated that Apple is having server problems. V3.co.uk contacted the company to discuss this, but had not received a reply at the time of writing.

Not all users have had problems updating, according to the forums, but continue to be plagued by reception issues.

"I was just trying to talk to my girlfriend on my drive home and the call dropped four times," one user said. "I finally pulled off and tried talking to her with my phone laying still and on speakerphone and with five bars and 3G showing and it dropped the call three more times. This never happened until the 4.0.1 update."

This could mean that iOS 4.0.1 may have some sort of bug which causes a separate calling problem.

New York senator Charles Schumer, meanwhile, has written an open letter to Steve Jobs describing Apple's proposed remedies, which include telling customers to hold the device in a certain way or buy a cover, as insufficient. A permanent fix should be provided at no additional charge to customers, he maintains.

V3.co.uk will be covering Apple's emergency press conference, scheduled to start at 6pm BST today. We will also be attempting to update our iPhone 4 handset to the latest OS version, to see if we experience any of the above issues.

It remains to be seen how the company will resolve the antenna issue once and for all. Apple could provide all customers with a complimentary cover, or issue a recall.