Apple delays white iPhone 4, launches free case program

Something’s up with that white iPhone 4. Barely a week ago, Apple Inc. (AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs said the white iPhone 4 was on target to distribute at the end of this month. Then, seven days later, Apple announced that the white models were being delayed once again, this time pushing back the target date to “later this year.”
With so much scrutiny already fixated on the Cupertino giant, just about everyone is waging a bet as to what might really be behind the delay. Apple has committed to its line about manufacturing challenges to explain the unexpected delay, but of course plenty are beginning to wonder if Apple might be working on antenna improvements. But then again, there’s little reason to think Apple plans to change much of anything on its new antenna system.
Apple could after all be simply focusing on its pesky new free case program. Delivering according to plan must now be a high priority for the recently lambasted company.
Just as Apple was pushing back its commitment to release the iPhone 4 in white, it launched its free iPhone 4 case program to begin the process of lining up early buyers with a slate of free cases that will be shipped to them. In true Apple fashion, the company has developed an app, the iPhone 4 Case Program, to act as the conduit between existing customers and their case selection.
After installing the app on their iPhone 4, customers must provide login credentials for their iTunes account and then are given an option to receive one of Apple’s bumper cases (black only) or choose from a third-party cases that Apple is also making available at no charge. Most of the cases come with an expected delivery date of three to five weeks.