Apple reputation challenged following Consumer Reports tests of iPhone 4

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Apple reputation challenged after iPhone 4 tests

SEATTLE — Apple has an iPhone problem it probably can’t just fix with duct tape.

Consumer Reports said this week that it won’t endorse the iPhone 4 as “recommended” because tests show that simply holding the gadget can cause reception to fade.

Bloggers and others have been speculating since then that the report may mar Apple Inc.’s Teflon reputation and even lead to a recall.

Apple hasn’t responded, but analysts don’t expect such drastic measures. Some don’t believe Apple could have made such a severe mistake. Others point out how much Apple fans have already endured to own the device and believe an avoidable technical glitch won’t be the last straw.