Mark Papermaster Leaves Apple after Problems Plague Popular iPhone4

Mark Papermaster, Apple’s (News - Alert) executive in charge of the iPhone, has left the company following a series of problems with the wildly popular device, according to a report from FoxNews.com.

The report added that Papermaster also had what has been described as a “falling out” with Apple CEO Steve Jobs (News - Alert).

Mark Papermaster had been Apple's senior vice president for mobile devices for about 15 months, according to Fox News, and he recently left his job at the Cupertino, Calif., company, Fox reported.

Among the problems plaguing the iPhone (News - Alert) 4 have been with antenna reception, delayed production of a white version, and delays in placing orders. The iPhone 4, released in late June, has continued to outsell supply, and Apple's online store still shows a three-week delay in shipping, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The Guardian newspaper reported that Papermaster's departure led to speculation whether it was as a result of what the media has labeled "Antennagate” – in reference to the reception problems with the iPhone 4.

Before taking the job at Apple, Papermaster previously had worked at IBM (News - Alert). The Journal reported that Papermaster's recruitment to Apple was controversial. IBM filed a lawsuit against him for allegedly violating a noncompeting clause by going to work for the IBM rival.

Papermaster was Apple's senior vice-president of devices hardware engineering, and had succeeded Tony Fadell, an Apple executive who helped to launch the iPod business.

Apple declined to say whether or not Papermaster left of his own accord, according to the San Jose Mercury News. The newspaper reported that Apple representatives did not respond to calls and an email requesting confirmation or comment on the reports.

In addition, the San Jose Mercury News reported that Bob Mansfield, Apple's senior vice president in charge of hardware engineering for the company's Macintosh computers, is assuming Papermaster's responsibilities.