14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is notifying existing and future iPhone 4 buyers that the company’s free-case program is coming to an end, suggesting that whoever wants a free case should decide on one sooner rather than later.
“We now know that the iPhone 4 antenna attenuation issue is even smaller than we originally thought,” Apple states on the case-program web page.
“A small percentage of iPhone 4 users need a case, and we want to continue providing them a Bumper case for free. For everyone else, we are discontinuing the free case program on all iPhone 4s sold after September 30, 2010,” the Mac maker explains.
“We are also returning to our normal returns policy for all iPhone 4s sold after September 30. Users experiencing antenna issues should call AppleCare to request a free Bumper case,” Apple notes.
Those who’ve purchased an iPhone 4 before September 30, 2010, are required to follow a few simple steps to receive an iPhone 4 Bumper, or a third-party case at no charge.
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.
Those who’ve purchased their iPhone 4 before July 23, 2010 must apply for a free case no later than August 22, 2010, Apple claims.
“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,” the company notes.
Existing customers who’ve purchased an iPhone 4 Bumper before the program went into effect can apply for a Bumper refund.
If you bought from Apple, the company will give you a full refund for your previously purchased iPhone 4 Bumper, including any taxes and shipping fees.
If you bought from an AT&T store, Apple will also reimburse you for the purchase price of the iPhone 4 Bumper, but you will also need to fill out a rebate coupon and mail it to Apple by September 30, 2010.