Apple begins bumper refund roll-out

iPhone 4 bumper refund

Apple's good-will gesture (read: obligation to avoid Antennagate backlash) to issue iPhone 4 bumper refunds has begun.

It was initially thought customers would need to initiate refund proceedings themselves, but as is suggested, refunds are being rolled-out automatically without needing to put in that discontented call to Cupertino. However, this only accounts for one half of disgruntled iPhone 4 owners. What about the folks who purchased in-store and didn't pay with a credit card or haven't registered? With that in mind, it might be worth dropping Apple a line for confirmation - just in case.

As we know, Jobs is desperate to appease all iPhone 4 users, so will also be doling out a free case with every iPhone 4 before the end of September in a bid to 'solve' the reception issues that have been plaguing it since its release.

At £25 a pop, this sure is working out to be one costly refund for Apple. We believe somewhere around the £110 million mark (ouch). But the biggest hit, for sure, has to be the much publicised knock to Apple's reputation (even if it isn't drastically affecting sales).

So, has an Apple-shaped email landed in your inbox this week? Or are you still waiting for your iphone 4 bumper refund? Either way, let us know below.

[via Engadget]

Comments

Love3dpassive

2 years ago

Yep, got my apple shaped refund email, just waiting for the cash now. 3-5 business days quoted

thx67

2 years ago

I personally think the "death grip" is a fuss about nothing. I have an iPhone4 and haven't had a problem. Don't want to sound all steve jobs but if there is little or no signal i guess there could be a problem but that does apply to all phones. It's hardly a design fault. It's good apple are still trying to please it's customers though. Would Sony e or nokia bother?

JetBrink

2 years ago

Well it's not REALLY costing them £110 Million is it?. They must only be a few pence each to manufacture. Sure they won't make money on them now as they can't sell them but they were never gonna make a fortune anyway when you can buy a set of 6 similar ones on eBay for £3

paw3001

2 years ago

I heard they only cost Apple about $1 to make so a bit of profiteering on Apple's part when they were charging £25 for 1 bumper. I know costs of admin, distrubtion and VAT need to be factored in but still! So overall they will have only have to spend a few million dollars which is nothing for such a majar PR disaster and a lot less than Toyota have had to shell out! Personally I have no real issue with reception but it would be reassuring to see a few more bars on the phone. Anyway, does anyone else remember when Apple had complaints that the bars were low on the 3G phone. They then released a software update to increase the size & number of the bars. So it looks like OS4.0.1 goes back to the original algorithm

paw3001

2 years ago

PS Bumpers and other cases can now be ordered free via the iPhone 4 case app on the App store. Then just follow instructions. Shipping 3-5 weeks

mightymike

2 years ago

Thx67: Mate... you may be ok, but obviously tens of thousands have a problem... or else this would have not happened!! One thing being a fanboy, but man, even your master is saying something is wrong!! Would sony or nokia do it..? wow, are you steve jobs in disguise??! I wouldn't trust the bar readings. Consumer report's finding of actually reduction in signal... it's gotta be hardware related.

lilcy

2 years ago

hmm, glad to hear that. But I hope Apple better have something better than "free bumpers for all"........ (especially since I returned my iphone 4 day one over this issue and am patiently awaiting a fix) While I love their products, of course I do hope Apple steps up on the iPhone 4 improving as soon.

Apple begins bumper refund roll-out