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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
iOS 18 is official. Here’s how it’s going to change your iPhone forever
Screenshots of new features in iOS 18.

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here: iOS 18 has just been announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote. And, like the rumors have been saying, this is a very big, juicy update for your iPhone.

There's been a lot of anticipation for iOS 18. Rumors and leaks for the new update have been particularly intense this year, more so than iOS 17 rumors last year. So, was the hype worth it? Here's what's coming to your iPhone with iOS 18.
Home screen changes

Read more
5 reasons why you shouldn’t buy the iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro in Natural Titanium held in hand in rose garden archway.

Apple’s iPhone 15 series came out last September, including the base model iPhone 15, the larger iPhone 15 Plus, the higher-end iPhone 15 Pro, and the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max. These are Apple's latest offerings, at least until the iPhone 16 comes out later this year.

I got my iPhone 15 Pro on launch day, and it’s been my daily driver ever since. I picked a Pro model over the standard one because I like having the triple-lens camera system and the new Action Button. But I only went with the smaller iPhone 15 Pro instead of the Pro Max because I prefer more compact phones.

Read more
Here’s how iOS 18 is going to overhaul your iPhone’s email app
An iPhone showing the home screen in someone's hand.

We're just days away from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024), which means we're about to get our first look at iOS 18. The new iPhone operating system is expected to get RCS texting in the iMessage app, more customization options for the home screen, and maybe a significant design change overall. Now comes word that changes will be made to the native Mail app.

According to AppleInsider, the Mail app is about to undergo a significant transformation. It's getting a powerful new search tool, Smart Replies, automatic sorting for different email types, and more. But the real excitement lies in the app's expected integration of AI functionality, a feature becoming a hallmark of iOS 18.

Read more