Apple Offers Free Bumpers to Remedy iPhone 4 Antenna Issue

Steve Jobs addressed growing concerns over iPhone 4 antenna reception issues at an hastily arranged press conference yesterday, pledging to provide any upset consumers a free $29 “bumper” case that’s said to alleviate reception woes. Those who purchase the device through Sept. 30 will be eligible for the case. Customers who already have purchased a case will receive refunds.

Apple has seen strong sales for the iPhone 4 since its release in mid-June, despite a reception issue that occurs sometimes when users cover the lower left end of the device. The problem — which some have labeled the “death grip” — has sparked growing outcry from customers. Earlier this week, Consumer Reports said that it could not recommend the iPhone 4 due to the flaw, and then on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) published an open letter to Apple asking that the company fix the problem free of charge. Jobs, however, said that his company had been working to resolve the issue for more than three weeks.

During the press conference, Jobs also noted that just 0.55% of iPhone 4 users have called to complain about the antenna, or reception issues, while the “return rate” for the iPhone 4 has been 1.7% for early shipments, compared to 6% for the iPhone 3GS.

The company said that it cannot make enough bumper cases to supply all affected customers, so it is working to source bumpers from third-party providers.

Apple will be handling the free bumper case giveaway for iPhone 4 customers online, starting late next week.