Antennagate: Apple offers free Bumper Cases and full refunds

by Steven Mostyn - Jul 16 2010, 18:39

Computer and gadget maker Apple Inc. has today held a press conference in San Francisco in order to formally address mounting customer complaints regarding iPhone 4 reception problems – or “Antennagate” as it’s been labelled.

Taking the limelight before gathered technology journalists, Apple CEO Steve Jobs initially defended the iPhone 4, insisting that while the company’s latest smartphone may not be perfect, it is undoubtedly the best product the Cupertino-based specialist has ever created.

“We’re not perfect. Phones aren’t perfect. We know that, you know that,” said Jobs. “But we want to make all our users happy. If you don’t know that, you don’t know Apple.”

After playing a video showing a selection of rival smartphones that suffer similar antenna problems when held in the same way as the iPhone 4 (the BlackBerry Bold 9700, for example), Jobs moved to apologise for the instances of patchy reception and offered disgruntled customers a reliable and markedly free solution.

Specifically, Apple will provide every iPhone 4 user (including those outside the U.S.) with a free protective bumper case, which, when applied, covers the device’s exterior metal antenna band and prevents the user’s hand from forming a physical connection that interferes with call quality.

The free bumper case will be made available via an online application form to anyone who has already bought an iPhone 4, and the offer will remain open until September 30 to help cover prospective buyers. Apple has also said it will fully refund any customer who has already paid for a bumper case.

According to MacWorld editor Jason Snell, the September 30 closing date is simply to allow the tech company to re-evaluate the issue and factor in the possibility that a better solution might yet arise.

And, as an extra layer to the apology, Jobs said iPhone 4 customers who remain dissatisfied despite the proffered protective case can return their smartphone and receive a full refund within 30 days – this includes the refunding of AT&T call plans too.

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