Antennagate iPhone 4 claimants get $15 or phone bumper

Remember antennagate? When the iPhone 4 first came out, users reported network droppages, because they’d hold their phones in a way that would cover up the antenna. At first, Apple said, “ You’re holding it wrong”. Then, they held an emergency press conference to address the issue admitting there was a problem with the sensor and that they were working on the issue. They also said that whoever faced antennagate issues could avail a free bumper and if they had already purchased a bumper, the price of the bumper would be refunded. Furthermore, if a user was still unsatisfied with their product, Apple would refund the money paid for the phone. However, according to CNET, there was still a small group of people who did not want to avail of the free bumper Apple was handing out and placed a class action suit against the company for antennagate.

Antennagate resolved 1.5 years later

And what did the claimants who didn’t want a free bumper get? A free bumper! Or $15 (approx Rs.738). Which is technically less money than the bumper which costs $30 (approx Rs.1,477). The lawsuit was filed in the North District Court of California and five perpetrations were named. These were unfair competition, false and misleading advertising, breach of warranty, breach of Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (which says that a manufacturer must replace or refund consumers’ money, if it is unable to repair the defective product), and a violation of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, which works to prevent deceptive actions to sell a product.

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As a result of the lawsuit, Apple is required to tell its customers that they have until April 30th to claim their $15 cheque or their free bumper. Customers who did not take Apple up on its offer in 2010 can still take advantage of the company’s offer. Of course, this ‘offer’ is valid to U.S customers only.