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iOS 4.3.2 Update Should Fix Verizon iPad 2 3G Problems

Cody Lee ∙ April 11, 2011

We reported a few days ago on a developing story about the Verizon iPad 2. It seemed as though some iPad models, with the Verizon 3G service built in, have been having issues connecting to Verizon's network.

If you are one of the ones suffering from the problematic tablet, perk up. Popular tech site BGR has gotten their hands on the latest version of iOS, and has some great news for Verizon iPad users.

One of our Apple sources has just let us know that Apple's iOS 4.3.2, due within the next week or so, will fix the issues we've been hearing about with some Verizon iPad 2 models.

The site goes on to say that the new update should also fix a couple of FaceTime and WebKit vulnerabilities. But the good news is, it sounds like a fix is on the way for all of the folks struggling with 3G connectivity woes.

What I'm wondering is if an iPad 2 jailbreak is on the way, will Comex and participating parties wait until after 4.3.2 goes live before releasing anything?

If you remember Comex had previously found an exploit for the iPad 2, but the glitch was patched by Apple in the iOS 4.3.1 update. We will let you know as soon as we have more information.

Hopefully this doesn't delay the iPad 2 jailbreak anymore than it already is, what do you think?

Apple Admits to Problems With Verizon iPad 2

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 26, 2016

A complaint posted on an Apple forum back on March 15th has been getting a lot of attention over the last couple of days. The thread is about a customer's issue with his iPad 2 3G not connecting to Verizon's network.

Since its inception, hundreds of users have turned out to add their names to the list of affected units. All of them citing the exact same issues, and trying to offer each other home grown fixes.

One commenter writes:

"Add my name to the list. I've had problems after waiting to turn on my cellular service for a week. Tried to activate today and had all sorts of trouble getting the cellular service to come on..."

He ends the posting with:

"I paid too much for this kind of garbage."

I believe his feelings are shared throughout the forum, as the only known fix right now is to leave the iPad 2's 3G data service on all the time.

Otherwise users are reporting that they are having to wait anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours for their 3G service to activate after it's been shut off.

After weeks of replacing defective units, Apple has broken the silence. The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Apple admits knowledge of the Verizon iPad 2 glitch and is looking into it.

The article states that an Apple spokeswoman claimed that a "small number" of Verizon iPad 2 customers have been experiencing connectivity problems. She said that Apple is aware of the issue and is investigating it. She wouldn't give The Journal the number of iPads effected or a release date for the patch.

But if you have a Verizon iPad 2 and are experiencing these issues, hang in there. Given the amount of media attention this glitch has received, Apple should be pushing out a fix in no time. We'll let you know as soon as it's available.

Have you been experiencing this issue on your Verizon iPad 2?

Microphone Differences Between Wi-Fi and 3G iPad 2?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

If you're still on the fence about which iPad 2 model to go with, pay attention. The folks over at iLounge have been giving their next-gen iPads a workout. They've written an in depth comparison between the 3 models (Wi-Fi, 3G AT&T, 3G Verizon) and have found some unique differences.

One of the most interesting finds was the difference in microphone quality. In their review they found that the microphone on the Wi-Fi iPad 2 offered considerably better sound quality versus either of the 3G models.

They note that the 3G versions had a bit of an echo and sounded muffled. The microphone on the Verizon model seem to suffer from the issues more severely, but they were clearly evident in both.

What could be causing the deteriorated sound? The answer could be simple. The mic sits right above the FaceTime camera, which in the 3G models is exactly where they stick the plastic antenna strip.

They note the microphone problems were more evident when the iPad's screen is facing the user, such as in a FaceTime call.

If you are still looking for help in making your iPad 2 decision, check out Sebastien's review with sample pics and video.

Has anyone seen these mic issues with their iPad 2 3G? Tell us below!

AT&T Now Showing 4G HSPA+ Coverage Map

Alex Heath ∙ February 21, 2011

AT&T is now showing its 4G coverage map on its website. The cites/areas listed on the map only reflect the places that have undergone a complete backhaul upgrade for 4G speeds. This 4G rollout is apart of AT&T's new promotional campaign to show off its 4G capabilities.

Since the iPhone was made available on Verizon, AT&T has had to find another way of attracting potential customers. This 4G stunt is obviously part of AT&T's new strategy to show that it doesn't really have awful coverage...

Is Sprint the Next Carrier to Get The iPhone?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

The iPhone from Apple, after being locked to one U.S. GSM carrier (AT&T) for close to four years, was announced Tuesday to be coming to Verizon Wireless. This will greatly even the playing field between Apple iOS and Google Android as the two mobile platforms battle for most units sold here in the states on a quarterly basis. The question is will Sprint, as the 3rd largest U.S. wireless carrier, be the next to pick the iPhone up?

This is a valid question for a few reasons. The first is similar technologies. The new Verizon Wireless iPhone has CDMA chipset inside, the same technology Sprint uses. Also, when asked if the deal was exclusive, Tim Cook, the COO of Apple, said "the deal with Verizon was multi year but not exclusive."

Check Out Nationwide Cellular Coverage Map With ‘Coverage’ for iPhone

Alex Heath ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

With the imminent Verizon iPhone announcement, what better way to pass the time than seeing what you would actually be gaining with a Verizon iPhone. People want better cellular coverage, data reliability and overall speed. AT&T hasn't built a very good reputation over its last 3+ years of exclusivity with the iPhone.

The general consensus in the U.S. is that a Verizon iPhone would probably make the revolutionary smartphone a much more dependable cellphone. Less dropped calls and 3G dead-zones would be a warm welcome to those plagued by AT&T sluggishness in heavily populated areas.

Recently, there was a slew of ad campaigns from AT&T and Verizon that were all about "coverage maps." The goal of the ads were to convince the consumer that either Verizon or AT&T had better overall coverage. Thanks to a nifty iPhone app, you can see for yourself...

Here’s An iPhone App You Probably Don’t Want to Download Over 3G

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

I think it's safe to say that mostly everyone uses My3G or 3G Unrestrictor to bypass Apple's silly 20MB App Store download limit over 3G. But you might just want to take Apple's advice when it comes to Riven, the 90's-era sequel to the popular PC game, Myst.

That's because Riven maxes out at a whopping 1 gigabyte. That's right, an App Store App 1 gigabyte in size. Some of you might be hesitant to download that over Wifi, let alone 3G...

Wi-Fi Sync 2.0 Coming Soon, Promises Syncing Over 3G

Alex Heath ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Wi-Fi Sync is a $9.99 app in Cydia that syncs your iOS device over wi-fi with iTunes. You can read more about the app here. A couple of months ago the developer of Wi-Fi sync tweeted that he was working on Wi-Fi Sync 2.0, which would include wireless syncing over 3G and VPN. Yesterday he announced the beta signup for Wi-Fi Sync 2.0. I can't wait to get my hands on it...

Want Video Calls on Your iPhone Over 3G? Then it’s Time to Tango!

Guest Author ∙ Updated December 26, 2016

Tango Video Calling by Sgiggle, Inc. (available free in the App Store) is a video-calling app that’s similar to FaceTime, but has a few more features that gives it a definite edge over Apple’s built-in video calls.

The most notable difference? Tango works over 3G. This is often the complaint I hear most about FaceTime. It’s been promised 3G functionality is coming to FaceTime… someday. We also heard that about tethering and how long did that take?

iPhone 5 To Run on Both 3G and LTE

Guest Author ∙ Updated March 18, 2019

Since I started following the iPhone daily buzz I am constantly reminded by how passionate and devout the community covering the device can be. So devout that the moment someone predicts the future of an unreleased iPhone, the rest of the bloggers rush to validate the claim.

CNET reports that an analyst from Rodman and Renshaw claims that Apple's next generation phone will offer up support for both 3G technology and the futuristic LTE (Long Term Evolution) platform which is being touted as "4G" technology. Ashok Kumar said the following about the switch:

More T-Mobile iPhone Rumors

Guest Author ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

I find it interesting how the rumor mill operates. Last month every report out there had Verizon pegged as the next carrier to offer the iPhone which I still believe to be the frontrunner as well. Lately however the influx of rumors have centered around T-Mobile's aspirations for offering the Apple handheld.

Apple Hot News cites Engadget as saying that an executive vice president of Canada's Quebecor claims that Apple is in the process of building a compatible iPhone for T-Mobile's 3G network...

Extend Your iPhone Battery Life With Auto3G

Sébastien Page ∙ August 30, 2010

Auto3G is a new jailbreak application that aims at extending your iPhone battery life by automatically turning off the 3G radio when you lock your iPhone, and automatically turning it back on when you slide to unlock.

This simple app allows you to always have the speed of 3G when you need it, without draining your battery when you're not using it. Auto3G will add a new icon to your springboard from which you can choose the 3G timeout settings.