Operation Bar Boost: How to take advantage of the Apple iPhone 4 Case Program

July 23, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke

It is now official. In the spirit of famous U.S. led rescue operations, like Operations Vittles, Baby Lift, and Unified Response, Apple is honoring their promise to rescue iPhone 4 owners with antenna issues. Current iPhone 4 owners can now visit Apple’s website for detailed information on how they can request their case. So, how is Apple ensuring that only people who actually own the device request them? As usual, there’s an app for that.

Yes, iPhone 4 owners who didn’t previously purchase a case can now download the iPhone 4 Case Program app from the iTunes App Store, to request that a free one be shipped to them. Those who previously purchased one from Apple or AT&T can also request a refund for the purchase price, plus any applicable taxes and shipping. Overall, it is a pretty straight-forward process. Apple is obviously not going to make things any more difficult than they have so far. Even so, there are some rules to which owners will want to pay attention, in order to make sure they get their free case or their refund.

What are the basic rules for requesting a free case?

There are two general categories into which a person must fall.

Purchased iPhone 4 before July 23, 2010 – Must request a case by August 22, 2010

Purchased iPhone 4 after July 23, 2010 – Must request a case within 30 days of purchase

Additionally, the iPhone 4 Case Program will close on September 30, 2010. Consumers must purchase their iPhone 4 on or before this date, in order to qualify for a free case. People in this category must also request their case within 30 days of purchase.

How do I request a refund for a previously purchased iPhone 4 case?

For those who already purchased a case directly from Apple or through AT&T, the method of refund is dependent upon the method of purchase.

Purchased from Apple via credit card – The purchase price (plus taxes and shipping) will be automatically refunded to your credit card

Purchased from Apple Retail Store via cash, check, or gift card – The purchase price will be refunded once the purchaser returns to an Apple Store and presents their receipt.

Purchased with Gift Card from Apple.com – The purchase price will be refunded via a Gift Card to be automatically mailed to the purchaser of record.

Purchased from an AT&T Store – Purchaser must complete a rebate coupon and submit it, via mail, to Apple.

As mentioned earlier, the program will end on September 30, 2010. Any online, in-store or AT&T refunds must be completed by this date. The complete details, as well as the full list of terms and conditions, can be found on Apple’s official iPhone 4 Case Program page.

Useful Links:

Download the iPhone 4 Case Program app – For refund requests for cases purchased from Apple

Download the iPhone 4 Bumper Rebate request – For refund requests for cases purchased from AT&T

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