When the iPhone 4 launched in 2010, some users immediately complained about poor reception when using the device. It eventually came to light that gripping the phone in a certain way covered the antenna integrated into the bezel and appeared to cause a not-insignificant signal drop. That was all in the past. However, Apple has now settled a class-action suit with dissatisfied customers, with those affected winning their choice of a free iPhone case or $15. Don’t spent it all in one place!
Back in 2010, Apple responded to the initial furor with a revamped algorithm for displaying signal strength, but also issued free iPhone cases to affected customers. With the cases, users were unable to completely block the antennas and thus unable to block the signal. The fact that free iPhone cases are once again being offered might seem a touch ridiculous, though they are apparently being offered to those who were unable or uninterested in taking advantage of the 2010 offer.
While $15 per person sounds like a paltry sum, the class-action suit covered some 18 individual lawsuits affecting 25 million customers. That’s a hefty chunk of change, though it’s widely known that Apple has oceans of cash at its disposal.
If you’re part of the lawsuit you should receive an email from Apple within the near future. If you are looking for something to do with your $15, I suggest getting $40 more and buying one of these. Functional, dangerous, and it will probably keep you from messing up your antenna.
(via Macworld)
- The most disappointing upgrades in tech
- Here’s a look at those free cases Apple offered back in 2010
- Consumer reports looks at “Antennagate”
- Apple did a little “suppressing” of antenna complaints on its forums
