iPhone 4 proximity sensor problems caused by clean ears, says Apple

Yes, you heard that right. Clean ears. The Unofficial Apple Weblog's Aron Trimble reports that Apple's very own experts at his local Genius bar told him that the proximity sensor issue was most likely caused by light reflecting around the shiny insides of his lughole.

The proximity sensor problem first raised its ugly head last month, with hundreds of new iPhone owners complaining of involuntary texting, disconnection and cheek dialling, caused by the sensor's inability to distinguish when the phone was clamped to the users head. When the phone is to your ear the screen is supposed to be locked, but it seems that with some iPhone 4 handsets it's not - and assorted accidental navigation selections ensue.

Trimble says "Knowing others were having issues with their proximity sensor, I made an appointment at my local Apple Store with one of the esteemed 'Geniuses'.  I swear he stifled a laugh when he told me the cause of the problem. Apparently, the re-location of the proximity sensor in iPhone 4 causes the sensor to be more likely to be triggered by light 'bouncing around the ear canal'."  He was then advised to try closing the windows to avoid extra ambient light in the room, and sent on his way.

Amazing. Presumably we can add that to the catalogue of surprisingly inventive Apple excuses for why their kit doesn't work, which also include 'you're holding it wrong', 'oops, we got the algorithm that calculates the signal strength display wrong - but you have got reception really' and 'it works fine if you just buy a case'.