Full Apple ‘Antennagate’ press conference video surfaces 16 years later

A full recording of the question-and-answer session from Apple’s press conference on the iPhone 4 signal controversy has appeared on YouTube. The event took place on July 16, 2010, and the video surfaced 16 years later.

The 47-minute recording features Steve Jobs, Tim Cook and Bob Mansfield answering reporters’ questions. Apple had called the event after users reported weaker cellular reception when the iPhone 4 was held in a particular way.

Apple’s 2010 response

During his prepared presentation, Jobs announced free cases for eligible customers and a 30-day return option. Apple later released that presentation on video but did not include the Q&A session.

One newly available exchange comes at about 18:45, when John Gruber asks whether the executives use cases on their own iPhone 4s. Jobs, Cook and Mansfield each hold up an uncased phone.

Jobs explains Apple’s decisions

In a longer response, Jobs discusses what Apple learned from the controversy and why the company waited to collect more data before holding the press conference.

Near the end of the recording, Jobs outlines Apple’s strategy of owning or controlling core technology behind its products. He also explains why the growing importance of software made that approach valuable in consumer electronics.

Gruber, who attended the event and highlighted the recording, says he does not know where it came from or why it surfaced only now.