Exec leaves Apple in wake of iPhone antenna problems

CUPERTINO, Calif. - An Apple Inc. executive whose responsibilities include iPhone hardware is leaving the company in the wake of antenna problems with the newest version of the smart phone.

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, according to Apple spokesman Steve Dowling.

Dowling wouldn't comment beyond a brief statement or say whether Papermaster was fired or is leaving voluntarily.

Papermaster's departure comes weeks after Apple announced it will give free protective cases to buyers of its latest iPhone model to alleviate the "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. Consumer Reports refused to recommend the iPhone 4 and called on Apple to compensate buyers.

Die-hard fans of Apple products have dubbed the stumble "antennagate."

Bob Mansfield, Apple's senior vice president of Macintosh hardware engineering, will assume Papermaster's responsibilities, Dowling said. Papermaster, who came to Apple in 2008 from IBM, could not be reached at a phone number listed in his name.