Apple Now Refunding Bumper Buyers

Apple has started issuing refunds to buyers of a Bumper case for iPhone 4, customers have confirmed. According to Apple’s official announcement released Friday, July 16, iPhone 4 owners worldwide are eligible to opt for a free Bumper, or third-party case from the company’s online store, as compensation for whatever signal problems they might have had with the smartphone.

Since launched, Apple’s iPhone 4 has been plagued by a yet-unconfirmed reception issue which publications around the world labeled as the result of a design flaw on behalf of Apple. The iPhone maker did admit to the implementation of a flawed algorithm that displayed the wrong number of signal bars on screen, but emphasized on numerous occasions that reception itself was not affected.

Because of the immense backlash following widespread reports of the antenna issues posed by iPhone 4, Apple conceded to offering up free Bumpers, or third-party cases to everyone owning the device. Protective cases covering the phone’s outer steel frame, which doubles as the antennae, are said to prevent the user’s hand from bridging the two pieces of metal, which reportedly leads to signal loss.

According to a screenshot posted by 9to5Mac, Apple is now notifying customers of a refund program, saying “Apple recently announced that iPhone 4 customers who purchased an iPhone 4 Bumper are eligible for a refund.” The Mac maker adds: “As of today, we have automatically processed your refund. You have also been refunded for any Shipping or VAT charges which may have been applied to your order. If you paid via credit card, please allow 3-5 business days for the refund to reach your account. Thank you for choosing Apple. Sincerely, Apple Online Store Support.”

Apple advertises Bumpers not as protective cases, but rather as “dress-up” accessory which adds “a touch of style to any iPhone 4.” Customers can choose one of six colors - white, black, blue, green, orange, or pink -  and slip it around the edge of their iPhone 4, as shown in the second image down. The accessory features metal buttons for volume and power, two-tone colors, and a combination of rubber and molded plastic.