iPhone executive leaves amid 'antennagate' problem

An Apple executive whose responsibilities included iPhone hardware is leaving the company in the wake of antenna problems with the newest version of the smartphone.

Apple was forced to offer a free fix after consumers complained and numerous media outlets reported a problem with dropped calls.

Mark Papermaster, Apple’s senior vice president of iPhone and iPod hardware engineering, is leaving the company, according to Apple spokesman Steve Dowling.

Mr Dowling would not comment beyond a brief statement or say whether Mr Papermaster was fired or was leaving voluntarily.

Mr Papermaster’s departure comes weeks after Apple announced it would give free protective cases to buyers of its latest iPhone model to alleviate the so-called “death grip” problem – holding the phone with a bare hand can muffle the wireless signal.

The antenna problems were a rare glitch in Apple’s rollout for a new product.

US magazine Consumer Reports refused to recommend the iPhone 4 and called on Apple to compensate buyers.

Diehard fans of the Apple’s products have dubbed the stumble “antennagate”.

Bob Mansfield, Apple’s senior vice president of Macintosh hardware engineering, will assume Mr Papermaster’s responsibilities, Mr Dowling said.

Mr Mansfield oversees groups that components for the iPhone and iPod touch, including the A4 chip, Retina display and touch screens.

MrPapermaster, who came to Apple in 2008 from IBM, could not be reached for comment.