[RightFighter]

The reason this problem made it through usability testing was exposed by the $5000 prototype phone that Gizmodo paid for. Apple, not wanting anyone to know iPhone 4 even existed, dressed the prototypes up in cases that made them appear to be iPhone 3GS’s. The cases had the additional effect that they never allowed the band around the phone to be touched by the user’s hands.

This is an epic fail on Apple’s part.

[TrueKnightGalahad]

This is an epic fail on Apple’s part.

Nah...to the Apple fanbois/girlz, this is a feature.

Constant calls from bill collectors? Is your girlfriend ringing you every 5 minutes? Just grab the phone the right (wrong) way, and goodbye annoying call!

Remember...Apple can do no wrong! :-)

[PugetSoundSoldier]

The reason this problem made it through usability testing was exposed by the $5000 prototype phone that Gizmodo paid for. Apple, not wanting anyone to know iPhone 4 even existed, dressed the prototypes up in cases that made them appear to be iPhone 3GS’s. The cases had the additional effect that they never allowed the band around the phone to be touched by the user’s hands.

That makes perfect sense. It's like those mockup/extra-body-panel cars that Detroit drives around. But somehow I think Detroit also tests the cars without the extra parts.

I think you've nailed the reason this was never caught!