Uses iPhone app to identify eligibility

As promised at last week's press conference, Apple has rolled out the case giveaway program for iPhone 4 owners. The company has taken the unusual step of using a free iPhone app to handle the process. The software checks Apple IDs, IMEIs and serial numbers to judge eligibility; if a person is cleared, they can then choose to receive one of Apple's bumper cases, or else a third-party model.

Apple notes that if a phone was bought before July 23rd, people can only apply for a case through August 22nd. All other customers have 30 days after purchase, with the last eligible purchase date being September 30th. People who have already bought bumper cases should, in most cases, be getting automatic refunds, whether through a credit card payback or a new online store gift card.

If a bumper was bought in person at an Apple Store via cash, check or gift card, they must go back with a receipt to make a claim. The situation is more complex if a phone was bought through an AT&T outlet, as people must fill out a rebate coupon and mail it in.

The app is notably not available in countries like Canada, where the iPhone 4 has yet to go on sale.

by MacNN Staff