Apple: Free cases to alleviate iPhone 4 problems

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple will give free protective cases to buyers of its latest iPhone to alleviate the so-called “death grip” problem: holding the phone with a bare hand can muffle the wireless signal.

Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs announced the giveaway at a news conference today. Those who have already bought the iPhone 4 and new buyers through Sept. 30 will be eligible. People who already purchased the $29 “Bumper” cases will be refunded.

Jobs declared, “We’re not perfect.” He is apologizing to those who don’t like the phone. He says refunds are available, even for those with long-term AT&T contracts.

But he says the problem isn’t widespread, and less than 2 percent have returned the device.

Consumer Reports refused to recommend the phone and called on Apple to compensate buyers.