The iPhone 4's epic launch of 1.7 million units sold globally in 3 days was largely overshadowed by the numerous problems afflicting the phone.  Foremost is the phone's antenna problems, which make its most basic functionality – making phone calls – troublesome for some users.  Apple's solution thus far has been to tell current generation purchasers to live with the issues and to give them a free case, which insulates the phone in order to prevent signal disruption.

A top executive for Mexican carrier Telcel recently announced that his company will launch the iPhone on Friday August 27.  However, he also may have let slip a far bigger secret.  According to his press release [translated], Apple will deliver a major off-cycle hardware revision that will fix the antenna issues and improve reception.  The press releases pins September 30, 2010 as the ship date for the new hardware.

That date conveniently coincides with the expiration date of Apple's free case offer -- also September 30.

Of course the Telcel announcement is unsubstantiated, and while they are an official Apple carrier, there's been no confirmation of the upcoming fix from Apple yet.  It's possible that the fix could be announced at the special Apple event that's being held in San Francisco later today.

Most observers figure a fix is indeed in store; the only question is "when”?  After all, most manufacturers look to fix defective or failing products.  Apple in the past has largely relied on software fixes to do the trick, but an iPhone 4 firmware update offered no actual improvements to signal reception, but merely adjusted the way bars were displayed.  That leaves a hardware revision as the only real hope for a true fix.

There's still a great deal of mystery surrounding the potential hardware revision.  But one thing's for sure; all eyes will be on Apple later today and near the end of September, watching for potential action.