Apple iOS4 version 4.0.1 for iPhone changes the size of the bars

The much anticipated first update to iOS4 went public this morning. Since the iPhone antenna issue was first mentioned, Apple has been working on a possible software fix to address the issue. Apple has already seen plenty of public backlash, including a dip in stock prices after rumors of a possible recall.

The official response from Apple has been that the issue does not stem from faulty hardware, but rather a software bug. The open letter response states that: "we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong. Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength." One of the noticible changes in the latest update is an adjustment to the size of the first bar.

Bar size on iOS 4.0.0:

Bar size on iOS 4.0.1:

I like the aesthetic of the old bars more, however the new layout is supposed to show a greater contrast between the small line (meaning no bar) and the presence of the first bar. So the big question with 4.0.1 is, after everyone installs it, will we now see our bars at a lower average overall? Is that a good thing because the bar level is supposedly more accurate? Will bigger bars now mean less bars?

Perhaps it's time for AT&T to change their slogan!:

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