Steve Jobs speaks at a media conference on the Apple iPhone 4 receptionproblems. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Apple was forced to offer a free fix after consumers complained and numerous media outlets reported a problem with dropped calls.

Mark Papermaster, Apple's senior vice president of iPhone and iPod hardware engineering, is leaving the company, Apple has said.

Apple would not comment beyond a brief statement or say whether Mr Papermaster was fired or is leaving voluntarily.

Mr Papermaster's departure comes weeks after Apple announced it will give free protective cases to buyers of its latest iPhone model to alleviate the so-called "death grip" problem: holding the phone with a bare hand can muffle the wireless signal.

The antenna problems were a rare glitch in Apple's rollout for a new product.

Diehard fans of Apple's products have dubbed the stumble "antennagate".

Bob Mansfield, Apple's senior vice president of Macintosh hardware engineering, will assume Mr Papermaster's responsibilities, Apple said.

Mr Mansfield oversees groups that creates components for the iPhone and iPod touch, including the A4 chip, Retina display and touch screens.

Mr Papermaster, who came to Apple in 2008 from IBM, could not be reached for comment.