Finally, Apple has offered some form of compensation for iPhone 4 owners afflicted with the well-publicized
antenna issue. Steve Jobs has just announced at Apple's "AntennaGate" Press Conference that the company will be offering a free case to all affected iPhone 4 owners.
While this offering does not bring about the permanent fix many were hoping for, an iPhone 4 case does stop users from accidentally bridging the iPhone's antenna - bringing about the "death grip"
recently confirmed by Consumer Reports.
With the recent release of iOS 4.0.1, many discovered that the issue was not fixable through a simple software update - another factor confirmed by Consumer Reports. Instead, we now know that the issue lies within the phone's hardware itself, meaning that either a full-scale recall or an "accessory fix" would be necessary.
Realistically, I don't think anybody expected Apple to recall every afflicted iPhone 4 handset - especially not when the problem can be solved by passing out a free accessory. Additionally, Steve has added that a full refund will be offered to iPhone 4 owners who still aren't happy with their handset.
Apple is going to allow iPhone 4 owners to apply for a free case late next week, which will be done through the company's site. The cases will be available up until September 30th. Additionally, Apple will also be offering a full refund to any customers who've already purchased an Apple iPhone case.
However, Steve has stated (in answer to a question), that third-party cases will not be refunded. You can check out the full Q&A below:
Q: Will the refund include third party cases?
A: There's a very small number of third party cases out there. So no.
Q: Well it's interesting, there aren't any cases out there, and it's hard to get cases now. If the third party case buyers can produce a receipt, why not give them one?
Steve: It's really simple, if we tell people what our next product is, they stop buying our current products. Sometimes websites buy stolen property and they get out there... and case makers have a history of showing off their new cases for our new products. The case vendors haven't had a history of helping to keep our work under wraps.
Additionally, we can see this move
killing third-party case manufacturers. But kudos to Apple for giving us all a free case - I for one am rather happy indeed.
Steve also had good news for international iPhone 4 owners, revealing in the Q&A section of the conference that free cases will be available outside the US, anywhere iPhone 4 handsets are being sold:
Q: Will the bumper offer extend outside of the US?
A: Yes.
Q: And beyond September 30th?
A: We'll evaluate.
You can check out some pictures of the event, courtesy of
Engadget, below:
