The class action against Apple for the iPhone 4's drop in reception has reached a verdict. Apple will be required to reimburse iPhone 4 owners with a check for $15, or an iPhone bumper.
Remember “Antennagate?” A year and a half after Gizmodo first reported reception problems with iPhone 4, a class action lawsuit against Apple has finally come to a settlement. According to CNet, iPhone 4 owners in the US will soon be entitled to $15, or a $30 iPhone bumper case.
“This settlement relates to a small number of customers who indicated that they experienced antenna or reception issues with their iPhone 4, and didn’t want to take advantage of a free case from Apple when it was being offered in 2010,” an Apple spokesperson told CNet.
Back in June of last year, iPhone 4 owners complained that the simple act of holding the phone with your bare hands on the bottom-left corner caused the phone’s reception to suddenly decrease, or drop altogether. The problem could be solved by simply using a “bumper,” or other type of case that covered the sides of the phone. Surprisingly, after Gizmodo suggested that Apple “start handing out bumpers pro-bono to those who are experiencing problems,” Apple did just that, offering a free case, or a full refund for the device within 30 days after purchase.
The class action lawsuit, filed with the North District Court of California, named five perpetrations, including unfair competition, false and misleading advertising, breach of warranty, breach of Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (a law that requires the manufacturer to replace or refund consumers’ money if it is unable to repair the defective product), and a violation of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, which is intended to prevent deceptive actions to sell a product.
The suit against Apple claims that owners were mislead, stating, “At all pertinent times, Defendant represented to the public, including Class members, that the iPhone 4 was a dependable and reliable mobile device; that they were free from defects; and that they were of merchant quality and workmanship.”
The result of the settlement requires Apple to inform customers that they are entitled to a $15 check, or a bumper case, by April 30, 2012. Customers who refused the free bumper, or refund in 2010 may still take advantage of the settlement. Those who already accepted Apple’s offer are ineligible to receive the check, or a second bumper.
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