Apple Announces iPhone 4 Case Program, Antenna Woes Over!

It looks like all the drama for Apple and its iPhone 4 is finally drawing near to an end for now. Last week, during Apple’s press conference addressing the smartphone’s antenna problems, Steve Jobs offered up a fix or solution to the issue that has caused the PR nightmare for the company. Instead of performing a recall or coming up with a miracle software update, Jobs said that anyone who has purchased an iPhone 4, or those who will purchase one before September 30, will be eligible to receive a free case.

The case options are either the bumpers that cover the steel frame that serves as the handset’s antenna, or select third-party cases from Apple. Here’s how you do it:

1. Download the iPhone 4 Case Program app from the App Store.
2. Launch the app on your iPhone 4 and sign in using your iTunes Store account or Apple ID.
3. Select your Bumper or case.

Simple enough, right? Although you shouldn’t wait too long to claim your free case or bumper because there are deadlines:

For iPhone 4 purchases made before July 23, 2010, you must apply no later than August 22, 2010; otherwise, you must apply within 30 days of your iPhone 4 purchase. To qualify for this program, you must purchase your iPhone 4 by September 30, 2010.

If you’re wanting an iPhone 4, a free bumper or case is probably the last reason you need to rush to grab the Apple smartphone before September 30. But if you’ve been holding off on the smartphone because of the antenna issues, and you feel that the bumper or case is a viable solution to that problem, start hunting one down now! Orders from Apple and AT&T can still take up to two weeks before your handset comes in.

Feel free to let us know if you run into any hiccups or issues getting your free case. If you already purchased a case or bumper, you’ll also be glad to know that Apple has begun giving out refunds.

The downside to all this is that if you’re wanting a white iPhone 4, you won’t be getting a free case since the smartphone is delayed until the end of this year.

[Via: Apple]