Apple has crumbled under the mounting pressure of disgruntled iPhone consumers this evening ended speculation and announced it is to offer a free case with every iPhone 4 that is purchased before September 30th of this year.

The reception problems that have plagued the iPhone 4 since its release three weeks ago have been a continual talking point and a growing cause of annoyance for customers as holding the phone in a standard position would see signal disappear, calls dropped and internet unavailable.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related Links:
- Apple iPhone 4 review
- Apple iPhone 4: Ultimate guide
- Video: iPhone 4 huge signal loss problems revealed
- iPhone 4 signal issues fixed by £25 Bumper accessory
- iPhone 4 features: New pictures in stunning detail
- iPhone iOS 4 review: First impressions and video
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Those iPhone 4 users who have already rushed out and brought themselves one of Apple’s premium £25 Bumper cases as a reception problem fix will be able to apply for reimbursement starting later this month. New customers however will not receive the Bumper case which Apple claims it ‘can’t make enough’ of. Instead those looking to fork out for the iPhone 4 will be supplied with a free generic, presumably cut price, cheaper to produce case.

Referring to the signal issues as ‘Antennagate’ Jobs took to the stage for a brief press conference at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, where after the usual round of Apple waffle, followed by a hefty dose of competitor bashing and meaningless statistics, the Apple head finally admitted some fault. Well, almost.

He said: “We knew that you could see bars drop on the phone when you hold it in a certain way, it's a fact, phones aren't perfect. But people are reporting better reception with this antenna than they've ever seen before."

Somewhat contradicting himself, Jobs then went on to admit that dropped calls, which have been an issue for many consumers, have increased on the new handset: “Even though we think the iPhone 4 is superior to the 3GS antenna... it drops more calls per 100 than the 3GS.”

In the end this wasn’t the mass product recall that had been predicted by many. It was however a step in the right direction for Apple after much criticism for its seemingly callus and careless reaction to the very evident issue that started with Jobs himself telling a customer simply ‘don’t hold it that way’.

Despite the move to introduce a free case, the problem still remains, however. Those iPhone 4 owners that want to use their handsets in all its naked beauty can do so only at the risk of lost signal and dropped calls. For those Apple fanatics who are not worried about covering up their iconic and undeniably stunning piece of tech with that all important fruit logo, the free case coming their way is a positive outcome from an otherwise troublesome product launch.

What do you think to Apple's decision to offer a free case with the iPhone 4? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.