Skip to main content

Apple pulls iPhone 4 cases that crack phones

Crack iphone 4 screenRecently, Apple’s problem has been user complaints of its software destroying the hardware. Now, it looks like it’s accessories designed to protect the phone that are doing the damage. Cult of Mac is reporting that Apple Stores are no longer carrying several iPhone 4 cases because they have been causing cracks and scratches in the phone itself.

Slide-on iPhone 4 cases are the specific culprits. The glass backing of the iPhone 4 is not as durable as the material on the front, and particles that get stuck over these slide-on cases are causing alleged cracks and scratches. No other cases  have been rumored to be damaging, yet, but Apple is reportedly testing this out. As for older model iPhones, the slide-on cases should be just fine and are still on shelves.

Recommended Videos

Cult of Mac claims that Apple is “slowly evaluating each and every iPhone 4 case at a secret case testing facility.” This isn’t the first structural problem with the iPhone 4, as we’re sure everyone remembers the hysteria-inducing antenna issue. Hopefully the iPhone 5 will be able to eliminate both these problems right off the bat.

When the iPhone 4 was first released, there were a number of complaints about its fragility, in fact they were a fraction as durable as the 3GS models. But many users on the site’s forum reported that Apple was willing to replace the faulty phones – something that anyone affected by this latest damage issue should look into. For the moment, if you’re one of the unlucky ones out there, whip that slide-on case off your iPhone 4 until further notice and look into your warranty policy.

Molly McHugh
Former Social Media/Web Editor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
This one iPadOS 26 feature has me excited for the iPhone Fold
Semi-open state of a foldable iPhone concept

Samsung is set to launch the seventh generation of its Galaxy Z Fold book-style folding phone this Summer, but its biggest rival is yet to show its folding phone hand. Apple has long been expected to unveil an iPhone Fold, and the latest rumors suggest that it will launch next year.

I’ve used almost every folding phone released globally, with some exceptions for extremely obscure ones. While I've always been curious what an iPhone Fold would look like, I was fairly certain that Apple shouldn't build it, as I wasn’t sure they could deliver on one necessary feature.

Read more
Will my iPhone get iOS 26? Here’s every supported model
We've got the full list of iOS 26 supported devices - find out if you're getting the new iPhone update
iOS 26 features on a series of iPhone screens

Apple announced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and the new iPhone update comes with a fresh new 'Liquid Glass' look and plenty of features - and there are loads of iOS 26 supported devices, which is great news.

And no, you haven't missed a volley of updates since iOS 18 in 2024. Apple has skipped a bunch of numbers, so instead of giving us iOS 19 in 2025, we got iOS 26 alongside iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26. In short, Apple's brought its operating system numbering into line. Nice.

Read more
3 big iOS 19 changes that I hope Apple reveals at WWDC 2025
iOS 19 sample logo.

We’re less than two days away from Apple’s big WWDC 2025 keynote, where the company will reveal new versions of each of its software platforms. One of the biggest changes this year is the expected shift from iOS 19 to iOS 26, with new versions of macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS also set to follow suit. We're also expecting to see the evolution of Apple Health, including a new AI doctor and Health subscription.

iOS 26, if it is to be named that, is expected to introduce one of the biggest evolutions in design for Apple software since the first iPhone was launched. Inspired by visionOS and the Apple Vision Pro, it’s expected to be a monumental redesign, but I hope that Apple also takes the time to make a few improvements.

Read more