July 23rd Update: The iPhone 4 free case program is up and running. To claim your free bumper visit the app store and download the “iPhone 4 Case Program”. You will then log into the app with your iTunes or Apple id and choose from a number of free cases. They range from bumpers to skins to cases. Each offers multiple images so you can take a closer look. We just ordered a case and all of the free options were showing 3-5 weeks for delivery. Thee is no cost for the case and also free shipping.
Early iPhone 4 customers will want to order their free cases before August 22nd. Here is an additional eligibility note from Apple:
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.
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Steve Jobs interrupted his vacation in Hawaii to hold a press conference at Apple’s campus in Cupertino, California earlier today. The topic of the latest announcement was the iPhone 4 antenna issue, dubbed “Antenna Gate” by the media. In short Jobs responded by saying that all smartphones have weak spots, the issue has affected a minimal percentage of users and that Apple will offer free cases for all iPhone 4 users through September 30th. Those who bought bumpers will receive a full refund.
Steve started out his presentation by pointing out that phones aren’t perfect. All smartphones have weak spots. In particular they tested the Blackberry Bold 9700, HTC Driod Eris and Samsung Omnia II. When gripped or touched a certain way each phone lost signal strength.
Here are the results of Apple’s signal strength test:
Interesting point. We didn’t realize the antenna issue spanned across all smartphones. Why so much attention to the iPhone 4 issue then? Later in the Q&A session Jobs compared Apple haters to those hating on Google. That comment along with some others directed at the press (Gizmodo, Bloomberg, Engadget, NY Times, etc.) showed that while Jobs was controlled in the presentation he was definitely also pissed off at the media for the circus atmosphere over the last few weeks.
Jobs mentioned that Apple released IOS 4.0.1 yesterday which includes a fix to the algorithm used to calculate the number of signal bars shown. Along with a fix for an Exchange issue.
Steve went over a number of stats to point out the antenna gate issue was blown well out of proportion. Stating that only .55% of Apple Care calls were related to the iPhone 4 antenna problem. Also showing AT&T data that showed the iPohone 4 drops less than 1 more call per 100 over the iPhone 3GS. We were actually surprised by that number as those of us with iPhone 4′s have seen a marked improvement in reception and fewer dropped calls.
Other information included white iPhone 4′s to start shipping in late July and the release of iPhones to several more countries on July 30th. The list includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxenburg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. With South Korea trailing behind as Apple is working to get government approval there.
Toward the end of the presentation Jobs detailed what Apple’s plans for iPhone 4 customers. Starting next week customers will be able apply for a free case on the Apple web site. Not to be confused with the Apple bumpers as they can not produce them fast enough. There will be a number of case options available and each will be free. Those who have purchsed bumpers will receive a full refund. However, third party iPhone cases will not be refunded. In addition any customers who are unhappy with their iPhone 4 for the antenna issue or any other reason can return it within 30 days for a full refund, no restocking fee.
Next week when Apple adds the order form we will place a direct link at the top of this post. If you have already purchased an iPhone 4 or plan to do so the cases will be available for free to anyone who buys an iPhone 4 through September 30th.
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