Apple bruised over iPhone 4 concerns

October 11, 2010

The consumer watchdog has taken Apple to task over warranty issues as reports surface of new design problems relating to the iPhone 4’s glass body.


Third-party iPhone 4 cases are reportedly causing the glass back panel to crack.
Third-party iPhone 4 cases are reportedly causing the glass back panel to crack. The consumer watchdog’s concerns come as new reports describe large cracks appearing in the iPhone 4’s glass body when certain third-party slide-on cases are used.

The affected cases are Apple-approved third party products, not the rubber “bumper” sleeves that Apple was forced to give away free following the antenna issue that caused reception problems when the iPhone 4 was gripped in a certain way by the hand.

Apple has apparently found that non-bumper style cases – specifically those that slide on to the iPhone 4, which are occasionally prone to particulate matter getting caught between the rear of the phone and the case – can cause unexpected scratching that could quickly develop into  much larger fracturing of the entire rear pane of glass. Apple is so concerned it has withdrawn all third party cases initially approved and sold in their stores.

Some users had complained about Apple’s iPhone warranty process, specifically that they were receiving refurbished replacement models instead of new phones and that they had to wait weeks to get a replacement.

The Wall Street Journal has suggested that Apple was working on a new version of the iPhone 4 for Verizon Wireless in the US to be launched early next year, that would have a slightly different form factor to fix some of the apparent design problems. Such concerns may indicate why a long-awaited white version of the iPhone 4 has still not been given a release date.

The glass design of the iPhone 4 has been described as ‘form over function‘ as within days of the handset’s launch, repair shops were complaining that the glass design was very fragile. Treat your iPhone 4 with respect as accidental damage is not covered by Apple under warranty. It might be worth considering Energizer’s new silicon case for your Apple Iphone 4 as it not only protects but also double’s up as a power source. The AP 1201 is designed to provide high-speed battery charge directly to the iPhone, or pass-through charge using a USB cable. It is good for approximately 500 charges. The AP 1201 is a direct response to the power deficits that users are experiencing with their iPhone 4.

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