Apple to Offer Free Cases for iPhone 4 Customers

[firewood]

But I use my 3gs to actually make calls.

So why is a 3GS without a case a better phone for you than a i4 with?

My 3G and 3GS only get powered on these days for app regression and performance testing.

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Thank you for the constructive advice. I assume that when you skin your knee you amputate your leg. It would be a shame if you got a bloody nose.

That's a pretty bad analogy. Go return your phone if it doesn't work.

 

[captainAJ]

need another press conference..

They showed that the issue is not just with iPhone but all smartphones with antenna , put out the 4.0.1 update shows bars that are not over stating the signal strength compared to before update, giving free case, and allowing returns without restocking fee. Seems reasonable.

I have iPhone 4, and though I do see a signal drop when I put my left hand all away around it I have not had calls dropped. If other smartphones did not have this issue I would be concerned. The fact is they do. So this issue is no bigger than those with all the others.

yea I agree. Their response right now is pretty much reasonable. Still I hope the next press conference with iPhone sans hardware problem will take place soon.

yet i don't think bumpers, aside from decreasing the antenna problem, do anything to protect the phone. The glass back is so fragile and if the phone is dropped, it gonna break. I also sold my old iPhone 3GS for good price since it was protected well.

check out the cases at http://www.e-panda.com

 

[twoodcc]

i knew there would be no recall. but thanks, i'll take a free bumper!

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

This is really ironic. Most everyone said Apple would never hand out free bumpers (me being one of them) and now they're doing it.

Thanks Apple!

That is not ironic in any way. It's not even coincidence. How can you have such a poor grasp on the concept of irony and still use it in a sentence?

 

[celavato]

Second, if Apple is to be believed, this problem exists in every phone. It may be more prevalent in the iPhone 4, but the problem exists in ALL smartphones. So ditching Apple and going to buy a Droid isnt going to solve your problem. In fact, nothing will until we figure out how to solve the fact that hands absorb antennae signal and we hold our phones in our hands. No way to avoid it.

Sorry but I've owned all 4 iPhone models, which have served as my only phone in the very same location. I've experienced loss of signal strength and dropped calls only with the iPhone 4. That's all the proof I need that this issue is specific to the iPhone 4.

 

[firewood]

First of all, those cases should come standard with the phone.

I'd rather choose a case that be stuck with some generic OEM one.

Even then, it would be assuming that I live in an area where I commonly encounter weak enough signal. And commonly hold the phone in a "death grip".

 

[Bafflefish]

3M Kapton Tape, 3/8". I had some laying around the house, I'm an electrical engineer, and a lightbulb appeared overmy head. Looks fantastic, like the edge of the phone is gold anodized, and it completely alleviates the problem. Just need a foot of the stuff and an exacto knife.

By "a lightbulb appeared over my head", I'm guessing you mean "I read the Anandtech article where they used Kapton tape"

 

[cmaier]

So why is a 3GS without a case a better phone for you than a i4 with?

My 3G and 3GS only get powered on these days for app regression and performance testing.

I've never used a case on any of my phones. I don't like the look or the added bulk of a case. I know of no case for the i4 that results in a phone thinner than 3GS without case? (And certainly I haven't seen any that I find attractive).

That's a pretty bad analogy. Go return your phone if it doesn't work.

It's only a bad analogy because you don't like the result.

 

[Evilution]

Facts don't lie. Only 0.55% of users call AppleCare with problems. Only 1.7% return rate, versus 6% for 3GS. Dropped calls on par with 3GS. Attenuation happens on other phones. Despite all of this, Apple still gives out free cases...

Which proved even more that they know there's a problem.

 

[firewood]

By "a lightbulb appeared over my head", I'm guessing you mean "I read the Anandtech article where they used Kapton tape"

Should have bought stock in the company that makes the stuff.

 

[My Poor Brain]

I appreciate Apple. I believe Steve Jobs when he says that he and his company care for their customers and will do everything in their power to ensure an amazing user experience. For those of you wondering if there will be a "secret new design" after September 30... you are morons. And you are doing exactly what Steve Jobs and the rest of the Apple Execs openly admitted to being hurt by today. Hope your proud of yourselves. You are the reason a great company is giving away 90+ million dollars. (That's $30 times 3 million, for those of you who are bad at math) And what they can't provide for themselves, they are going to pay for from 3rd party vendors.

To me, that speaks volumes of the integrity and sincerity of Apple. That they would be willing to give away that amount of money just to please you. Keep in mind that this hurts their second quarter earnings statement, AND remember the fact that they are a business ultimately interested in earning a profit... although it seems that they put customers over profit. Facts are facts and they speak for themselves. Most of the threads I've seen about this are filled with complainers who are dishonest and disrespectful. The phone works like it should. Few people have been actually affected by the signal issue. FACTS, people... they are all that matter. Hearsay is not doing a thing for you.

Seriously, you people who have done nothing but complain since day one. I am SICK and TIRED of your pathetic excuses and complaints. STOP. You sound like children. Phones aren't perfect. Apple isn't perfect. People aren't perfect. Get over it. It's a phone. Seriously, get over it. Take your free case and shut up. If you don't like it, well you have 3 or 4 days to return it still. So, take it back. Get a droid for all I care, although I've read some pretty awful stuff about that phone too...

Do anything you want, but stop sobbing over the internet about a phone that, in my opinion, works fine. Better than I expected. If you expected perfection you are delusional and should probably see a shrink. Seek help. Or Grow up. One of the two, but for the rest of us that are happy... do it FAST. I will not have my pleasant user experience diminished by a cry baby moron.

Here's a thought... all of you people out there who are not really having a problem with the phone's signal and reception... why don't you skip the free case. I will not be applying for a free one, because I was going to buy one anyway and I am happy with my phone. Why cost a good company more money? So, if you are happy, show your support and leave the whiners to their lame bittersweet victory.

With all due respect, I think this belittles the plight of those who may be having a real problem. First let me state that I do not own an iPhone 4. I have a 3Gs and I'm not up for renewal until February, so I'll likely just wait for iPhone 5 for that reason.

That said, while there may be some people on here who just want to noose Apple, there are likely also those who have had bad reception experiences with the phone compared to previous models or other phones. If the iPhone 4 is more susceptible to dropping calls in weaker signal areas than other phones, that's not good. Moreover, if it's because of a design flaw than that is unacceptable and people have a right to be upset.

If you are a user experiencing no issues, than maybe you are in a strong signal area most of the time, or perhaps it's only a certain batch that is affected. It's just a shame that people not experiencing the issue have no empathy/patience for people who do (and vice versa).

I've said this in the past, but Apple positions themselves as a company that makes PREMIUM products. Premium quality for premium prices. With that in mind, if consumers are buying a high end smartphone and it can't reliably complete it's most basic feature (in this case starting/maintaining/ending a phone call), then that is unacceptable. People are paying for a premium experience, and if a product called iPhone is less reliable at making phone calls than cheaper or similarly priced products under the same conditions, than those people have a right to be upset/frustrated.

Before someone asks for my head on a plate I'm not saying this is the experience for most users, or even a great number. But anyone with a legitimate problem is allowed to be upset. Yes it's "just a phone" but it's also a high end phone. Some people on this board may be fortunate enough to not worry about money, but for others who do, it means something. When paying more money, those people expect to get better experience/quality compared to (cheaper) alternatives.

 

[macsmurf]

Thicker dielectric, resulting in smaller capacitive coupling to the body/hand. Thus lower losses, and possibly better SWR.

I have an antenna tuner for a shortwave antenna. It has capacitors to tune (and detune) the antenna, at least as seen by the transmitter output.

That does actually seem to make sense, although I don't understand the details (not my field) The implication of this would seem to be that even if you put a piece of tape over the area, you wouldn't see a dramatic improvement.

I hope that someone will actually test whether cases improve the signal on other phones.

EDIT: So someone apparently did: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3821/iphone-4-redux-analyzing-apples-ios-41-signal-fix/3 . This seems to be contrary to you hypothesis, since they actually see a dramatic improvement by covering the antenna with tape.

 

[Bafflefish]

Should have bought stock in the company that makes the stuff.

I agree.

I actually think that, done right, the tape looks really nice on it. Anandtech didn't cut out the holes for the dock connector and such, but I'd imagine that wouldn't take too much work: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3821/iphone-4-redux-analyzing-apples-ios-41-signal-fix/3

 

[cmChimera]

I've never used a case on any of my phones. I don't like the look or the added bulk of a case. I know of no case for the i4 that results in a phone thinner than 3GS without case? (And certainly I haven't seen any that I find attractive).




It's only a bad analogy because you don't like the result.

It was a bad analogy because it wasn't even remotely close to the situation. It was just a bad analogy.

 

[ant_s]

Can't say fairer than that

A free bumper/case and/or a refund - that's a great offer.

And Steve's right - the 3GS had this problem too - I only tried it out today but I can easily replicate this issue on the 3GS in a medium-strength signal area by gripping the phone in a certain way. It really doesn't affect it in general use - as a phone it quite possibly has the best signal of all the phones I've ever had, and I truly believe the iPhone 4 is even better.

Today's announcement has instilled renewed faith in Apple's constant strive to deliver the best experience for users they possibly can.

Whilst I probably won't get an iPhone 4, as I am still incredibly happy with my 3GS, I wouldn't hesitate to get one if the opportunity made economical sense. The white iPhone 4 / green bumper combination looks particularly awesome!

Above all, what I liked most about today was Apple's honesty and transparency. Total respect.

 

[Bafflefish]

It was a bad analogy because it wasn't even remotely close to the situation. It was just a bad analogy.

How is it a bad analogy? The iPhone 4 is useful for more than just making calls. In his case, as he's mentioned, he needs it for development. While yes, it has "phone" in the name, I think everyone can honestly state that the iPhone is obviously more than a phone.

Thus, even though he's having issues with calls, it doesn't necessarily warrant a return, given the other uses he has for it. In this regard, his analogy is perfectly adequate, as it was to signify the fact that just because one part may be working incorrectly or poorly, doesn't mean you have to take drastic action when everything else is fine.

 

[Dooger]

That is not ironic in any way. It's not even coincidence. How can you have such a poor grasp on the concept of irony and still use it in a sentence?

You beat me to it. Other things that aren't ironic...

 

[hackum]

Congrats on your FREE 5c worth of rubber which allows the best smartphone on the market to work properly.

 

[cmChimera]

How is it a bad analogy? The iPhone 4 is useful for more than just making calls. In his case, as he's mentioned, he needs it for development. While yes, it has "phone" in the name, I think everyone can honestly state that the iPhone is obviously more than a phone.

Thus, even though he's having issues with calls, it doesn't necessarily warrant a return, given the other uses he has for it. In this regard, his analogy is perfectly adequate, as it was to signify the fact that just because one part may be working incorrectly or poorly, doesn't mean you have to take drastic action when everything else is fine.

If you've skinned your knee, then an adequate solution would be to cover it with a band-aid. That is the exact solution many are opposed to.

 

[firewood]

I've never used a case on any of my phones. I don't like the look or the added bulk of a case. I know of no case for the i4 that results in a phone thinner than 3GS without case? (And certainly I haven't seen any that I find attractive).

Just laid a ruler on top of my 3G and my i4 with bumper, both laying flat (I don't have my lab calipers handy). According to the angle of the ruler, the bumper appears to be thinner than the 3G. The bumper does make the i4 taller (dock connector to lock button) than the 3G though.

I'll have to agree with you about attractiveness though. On the other hand, some of my other cell phones have some pretty nasty battle scars. So the i4 bumper goes on whenever I go outdoors.

 

[Polo5]

Since they will be giving away free bumpers, ALL I WANT TO KNOW IS ONE THING........

Who is going to give me back my .99 cents that I spent on ebay to purchase this really awesome case from hong kong that seems to be doing a great job and just looks great on my iPhone?????!!!!

I'm officially requesting a whole new press conference so that someone can ask this question in my behalf

thank you

 

[cmaier]

It was a bad analogy because it wasn't even remotely close to the situation. It was just a bad analogy.

How is it a bad analogy? The iPhone 4 is useful for more than just making calls. In his case, as he's mentioned, he needs it for development. While yes, it has "phone" in the name, I think everyone can honestly state that the iPhone is obviously more than a phone.

Thus, even though he's having issues with calls, it doesn't necessarily warrant a return, given the other uses he has for it. In this regard, his analogy is perfectly adequate, as it was to signify the fact that just because one part may be working incorrectly or poorly, doesn't mean you have to take drastic action when everything else is fine.

Bafflefish - thanks. I would have thought that inherent in the concept of "analogy" is that the two systems being described are not identical, but perhaps they no longer test that on the SATs.

 

[defenderoftheo]

since when has 100% been considered a "very small proportion"?

Every single person can duplicate this, it is a design flaw.

Sorry but your wrong there. I have tried to force my iPhone 4 to drop the signal and it will not do it. I have seen sevral other post in this tread saying the same thing.

I have only had 2 dropped calls on my iPhone 4 and I got it on launch day. My 3G drop 2+ calls a day.

 

[firewood]

Congrats on your FREE 5c worth of rubber which allows the best smartphone on the market to work properly.

Lots of people (the majority, it appears) seem to be able to get their i4 to work properly (make calls where they're located with their hold) without the 5c of rubber.