Apple’s iPhone 4 Strategy: Free Cases for All

At its press conference to address the iPhone 4 reception issues, Apple laid out its response plan.
The first part of the strategy was the press conference itself. Apple has acknowledged that there is a problem and that it is committed to making its customers happy. Although the data shows that the rate of dropped calls on the iPhone 4 are higher than on the iPhone 3GS, the increase in dropped calls is less than 1 per 100 calls.

Apple made it clear that it is committed to making its customers happy and providing the best products it can offer. With regards to the iPhone 4, this is what the company said it was going to do:

• Release a Software Update to Better Report Cellular Signal — This was actually included in yesterday’s iOS update 4.0.1. The software fix does not actually improve call reception, however. Instead, it adjusts the algorithm to better report the actual signal. That should make the drop in bars when gripping a caseless iPhone appear less significant (even though the end result is exactly the same).
• All iPhone 4 Owners Get a Free Bumper or a Refund for Their Existing Bumper — Apple believes that part of the reason that the dropped call ratio has increased (however slightly) is because fewer users have cases for their new iPhone 4. With the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone form factor didn’t change, which meant that not only did more existing users already have a case, but more cases were available at launch. That didn’t happen with the iPhone 4, and so Apple is going to give all iPhone 4 users who purchase the phone from launch date through September 30 a a free bumper or a refund on their existing bumper. Additionally, because Apple can’t make enough bumpers to satisfy demand, customers can choose another third-party case as well. The company says it will have a form on its website late next week that customers can fill out to request their new bumper or to get a refund on their existing bumper.

• Unsatisfied Customers Get a Full Refund — If the new case or bumper still doesn’t solve the problem, Apple will provide a complete refund to the iPhone 4 owner. Presumably you can also just exchange your iPhone 4 for another unit.

Apple will not be providing refunds for users who bought a case from a third-party manufacturer, in part because only a few of those cases are currently on the market.
We’ll keep you posted as to how you can claim your free case or refund as soon as that information becomes available. In any event, Apple has made it clear that it would like to take care of its customers and to amend the situation.
On a personal level, I’ve noticed that my iPhone 4 has worse reception (and this is even after the 4.0.1 software update on both devices) than my iPhone 3GS. It isn’t to the point that I’m dropping calls or having data lag, but yes, the reception is not as good. Consequently, I may take Mr. Jobs up on his offer for an exchange so that I can see if a new phone might work better for me (after all, I could just have a bad unit).
Still, we think it is time to take a step back from this incident and objectively analyze the situation. Yes, there is a problem. Yes, Apple is acknowledging it. Yes, the company is taking care of its customers. The world is not coming to an end.
What do you think of Apple’s response? iPhone 4 owners, are you satisfied with the offer of a free case or a full refund?