As we mentioned earlier, Apple promised to make its free iPhone 4 case program available later this week -- and that time has arrived. In a unique twist, in order to claim your free iPhone 4 case, you first have to download an app to your device, which then lets you select the case of your choice.
Apple today initiated the iPhone 4 Case Program, which they first revealed at a press conference a week ago. A new page on the Apple website explains the details, which require downloading a free app to your iPhone 4 and signing in using your iTunes account, at which time you can select from the available cases.
In order to qualify for the program, you have to purchase an iPhone 4 before September 30, 2010. iPhone 4 purchases made prior to July 23 must apply no later than August 22, 2010 in order to claim their free case.
Among the selections available are the black Apple iPhone 4 Bumper (no other colors are available at this time) and a variety of mostly black or clear cases from third-party manufacturers like Incase, Belkin, Griffin and Speck. All case selections are currently showing a ship time of three to five weeks, presumably because of the short amount of time that Apple has had to prepare for the free program.
As reported earlier today, if you’ve already purchased an iPhone 4 Bumper case from Apple, you’re eligible for a full refund (including taxes and shipping fees, if applicable) and many customers are already reporting those refunds being processed on Thursday. If you purchased with cash, check or a gift card at an Apple retail store, you have until September 30, 2010 to return to the store with your receipt and claim the refund. Bumpers purchased at an AT&T store require an online rebate form to be completed in order for Apple to reimburse you.
Having iPhone 4 owners use an app to claim their free Bumper case is a decidedly novel, Apple way of handling the situation. Not only does it eliminate entering serial numbers, it also cuts down on fraud, since the app will throw up a warning message if you run it on a device other than the iPhone 4 explaining that it’s only valid for that specific handset. Smart thinking!
Apple’s iPhone 4 Case Program web page also reminds customers that they are also welcome to return their iPhone 4 if they’re not completely satisfied, as long as the unit is undamaged. Purchases from AT&T are also accepted at any AT&T store and a full refund can be yours if it’s returned within 30 days of purchase.
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