Bloomberg: Apple engineer warned Jobs about iPhone 4 antenna

Apple’s senior antenna expert warned chief executive Steve Jobs last year that the antenna design on the iPhone 4 could lead to dropped calls, according to a report from Bloomberg.

According to the report, senior engineer and antenna expert Ruben Caballero told Apple management during an early phase of the smartphone’s design that the metal antenna surrounding the device may cause reception problems. A carrier partner also reportedly raised concerns about the antenna before the June 24 release date.

Despite breaking sales records, the iPhone 4 attracted a slew of negative headlines this week after Consumer Reports declined to recommend the smartphone, citing a problem with phone’s reception when users touch the lower-right corner of the device. Apple suggested users purchase a case to address the problem, but pressure has mounted on Apple to recall the devices.

Apple has scheduled a press conference Friday on the iPhone 4. No further details are available at this time.