CNet reports that Apple has settled a class action suit over the iPhone 4's antenna.
The settlement comes from 18 separate lawsuits that were consolidated into one. All share the claim that Apple was "misrepresenting and concealing material information in the marketing, advertising, sale, and servicing of its iPhone 4--particularly as it relates to the quality of the mobile phone antenna and reception and related software."
When the iPhone 4 launched in 2010, some customers were affected by low signals and dropped calls that were believed to be related to the iPhone 4's external antenna. At the time, Apple's response was a press conference as well as a refund offer for iPhone 4 customers or free bumper cases.
Based on the preliminary approval, U.S. residents who bought the iPhone 4 will be entitled to $15 in cash or a bumper case provided by Apple. The lawyers claim that the 25 million customers may be eligible.
Update: The Loop's Jim Dalrymple has obtained a statement from Apple on the settlement:
“This settlement relates to a small number of customers who indicated that they experienced antenna or reception issues with their iPhone 4 and didn’t want to take advantage of a free case from Apple while it was being offered in 2010,” Apple spokeswoman Natalie Harrison told me on Saturday.
Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall.
At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface.
The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas.
Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial
The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging."
Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs.
We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else.
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Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...
I'm sure Apple settled to be done with it and move on.
What a waste of a class action lawsuit.
1.There was never anything wrong with the antenna.
2. Gizmodo fabricated the story to get back at Apple, knowing full well they could take advantage of the "bars dropping" illusion that occurs if you hold any GSM phone a particular way, and the coincidence of poor AT&T service in certain areas.
3. Typical internet whiners bought it hook line and sinker and added their "voice" to problem, creating further illusion that there were millions of people with defective antennas.
The whole thing was a fantasy, and if Gizmodo had never lied and created that video blog post, like I said, to punish Apple for taking legal action against their previous criminal activity, there never would have been anything.
I totally disagree with you.
There is a problem with the iPhone 4's antenna placement.
You can place your finger lightly (not brushing, but you don't have to press hard) and bridge the two antennas on the OUTSIDE of the device and lose notable signal strength. In areas with poor service to begin with, this could cause loss of reception completely.
Is it overblown? Yes. Have I ever lost a call because of it? Yes. But I adjusted the way I hold it and can live with it just fine for the most part.
But it's not like it's a figment of my imagination.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.