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Apple is set to hold a press conference about its much criticised fourth generation iPhone, adding weight to current rumours of a recall.

The hugely popular mobile phone has been bedevilled by problems caused by the design of its antenna.

The antenna is situated at the bottom corner of the mobile phone, meaning that reception can be lost if the phone was held in a particular way.

In a recently leaked customer service document, Apple was shown to advise customers to hold the phone in a different way, so as not to block its reception. The same document also stated that Apple would not be giving away ‘bumpers’ for the iPhone – a moulded piece of plastic that fits around the edge of the phone, improving signal reception.

Apple has so far declined to give any details of what the press conference will be about, but experts within the industry have speculated that the technology giant will be offering a solution to the iPhone’s reception problems.

Charter Equity Research analyst Ed Snyder commented: "Given the intense pressure and scrutiny Apple has come under over the problem with the iPhone 4, it's going to be about some kind of fix or compensation for the owners of the phone."

The phone was recently launched to much acclaim, with scores of Apple fans queuing overnight to get their hands on the mobile phone as soon as it was available.

The phone featured an innovative design which included the antenna in a steel strip around the phone’s casing.

However, as sales figures for the iPhone skyrocketed, the numbers of complaints from disgruntled customers began to rise also.

It is not the only complaint to have been made about the phone. Many users have complained that it is not very robust, and there are examples of the casing shattering when dropped. Such accidental damage is not usually covered by its warranty, and so highlights the need for comprehensive iPhone insurance .

The problems that have dogged the phone became a major public relations issue recently when the much respected magazine Consumer Reports said that it cannot recommend the purchase of an iPhone 4.

Financial analysts have said that Apple may relent on their ‘no free bumper’ policy, as the problems do not affect health and safety.