News
Apple Store error credits extra free iPhone 4 cases
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Friday, July 23, 2010
News Category: Apple, iPhone, iPhone Accessories
Immediately following Apple’s launch of the iPhone 4 Case Program, a case giveaway designed to reduce reception-related issues traced to the iPhone 4’s external antenna, iLounge editors discovered two billing-related errors that appear to enable some users to receive more than the correct number of free cases or refunds due. The first error appears to enable a user who ordered a Bumper case from Apple to simultaneously receive an automated refund and still be eligible for a free case using the iPhone 4 Case Program application. Separately, iLounge has discovered that a single person’s order for multiple Bumper cases led to the receipt of multiple refunds—while still remaining eligible for a free case through the application. As a result, one of our editors has already received credits and order confirmations for three cases. It’s unclear whether this is due to a lack of cross-checking the Apple IDs used to register for free cases with past iPhone 4 Bumper case orders, or quiet but intentional over-generosity on Apple’s part. We have contacted Apple to notify it of the errors and obtain a comment, and will update this article if and when we receive a response.
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1
I have not received my refund notification yet, but I am expecting one. I bought a bumper on the day of purchase (because the apple store at 57th and 5th in NYC did not have any other cases)
Although I just ordered a new case through the app. Do you think this will nullify my refund?
Better not!
Posted by Joel on July 23, 2010 at 11:46 AM (PDT)
2
Looks like I did get a refund via credit card. And I have a new case ordered through the app.
It’s appreciated.
Posted by Joel on July 23, 2010 at 12:01 PM (PDT)
3
Apple may be acommodating customers with multiple iPhones. I have 3 iPhone 4s in my name. They were purchased as part of an ATT family plan. I purchased 2 bumpers which Apple has refunded and I plan to get a free case for the 3rd phone. Since bumpers only fit iPhones, Apple may be refunding all purchased prior to the announcement.
Posted by Jim on July 23, 2010 at 3:31 PM (PDT)
4
Actually that would be even. If you bought just the phone they give you a case, yet you have spent $.00. On the other hand you buy a bumper they owe you a refund, because you have spent money, but they owe you a bumper, because you bought ab iPhone. Tell me if I’m wrong…
Posted by gmann21133 on July 24, 2010 at 5:09 PM (PDT)
5
@gmann2133 You’re wrong. Supposedly you’re entitled to 1 bumper/case per iPhone 4. In that scenario, you got 2 cases/bumpers for per iPhone. I myself got refunded for the Apple Bumper but I was also able to order a free case using the iPhone Case app. Whoopee!
Posted by Benjamin on July 26, 2010 at 4:35 PM (PDT)