Apple to issue free bumper for iPhone 4 users
Apple has moved to improve data reception problems reported by a number of iPhone 4 users by issuing them with a free bumper case designed to improve the device’s performance or offering a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
The company made the announcement at a press conference on Friday but stopped short of issuing a full product recall, a move which some expected when the Cupertino-based company to make.
Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, responded to recent criticism over the performance of the device and added that no phone model is without issues.
“We’re not perfect,” he told attendees at the recent press conference. “A lot of people told us [that] the bumper solves the signal strength problem. Why don’t you just give everyone a [free] case?’ Okay. Everyone will get a free case,” he added.
Jobs also responded to the criticism over the iPhone 4’s reception issues claiming that only a minority of owners had experienced problems with the device’s antenna.
“I think it’s important to understand the [true] scope of the problem, because the data [we have] leads to the conclusion that it’s been blown so out of proportion, it’s incredible,” he said.
The iPhone 4 has been the most successful product launch in Apple’s history with the Cupertino-based company selling 3 million units since its launch last month according to Jobs.
However, the launch has been marred by reports that the iPhone 4’s external antenna led to network reception problems when held in certain positions.
Apple’s previous response was to issue instructions to users to hold the device in certain way, a move that was considered a PR mistake and widely judged to have contributed to the company’s recent dip in market value.
Last week the company’s share price fell by 4% in one day following speculation the device might have to be recalled.
This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk
