The new bumper cases for the iPhone 4 feature a slightly wider slot on the side for the mute switch. The new CDMA iPhone launching on Verizon's network on Feb. 10 has a tweaked antenna design that resulted in the mute switch being moved slightly.
Because the volume buttons remain in the same place on the new CDMA iPhone 4, the enlarged space for the mute switch is the only discernible change to the case. By making it wider, it can accommodate the switch on the current GSM iPhone 4, as well as the forthcoming CDMA model.
Aside from the slight movement of the mute switch, the CDMA variant of the iPhone 4 has four breaks in its external metal band, which borders the exterior of the device and doubles as its antenna. The original GSM iPhone 4, released last June, was the center of a controversy when it was discovered that covering the bottom left corner of the device could result in reduced reception.
Apple remedied the situation by giving out free bumper cases for a short period. That promotion expired for new iPhone 4 buyers after Sept. 30 of last year, meaning those who buy the Verizon iPhone 4 will not be eligible for a free case.
Apple's tweaked design means it will not have to distinguish between "GSM" and "CDMA" versions of the iPhone 4 when it sells its bumper in stores. The new bumper case makes no mention on the packaging that it is meant for the CDMA phone, nor does it explain that the design has been slightly changed. Pictures accompanying bumpers for sale on Apple's online store for $29 still show the smaller space for the mute switch.
26 Comments
I still think it's overpriced and it has a tendency to noticeably scratch the antenna.
The cynic in me wonders if the slight repositioning of the mute switch will flow into the iPhone 5 design and if consideration was given that this would force early adopters to discard their free iPhone 4 bumpers for new, paid ones.
Far more importantly, it looks like they FINALLY opened up the bottom dock connecter opening so that it will now accommodate the vast majority of Apple and third party dock connectors. Apple's own video & audio connectors wouldn't fit with the bumper on the phone. Only the brand new, slim design connectors would fit. Thank you for small favors. Now, how about an exchange?
I still think it's overpriced and it has a tendency to noticeably scratch the antenna.
Yeah, I stopped using mine for exactly that reason. My antenna got scuffed up pretty bad. Ironic that these things are supposed to protect your phones and it does the opposite.
The cynic in me wonders if the slight repositioning of the mute switch will flow into the iPhone 5 design and if consideration was given that this would force early adopters to discard their free iPhone 4 bumpers for new, paid ones.
hmmm.. I just don't think apple roles like that. And I doubt they entered into that decision lightly.
What did come to mind for me was the design cycle that actually resulted in the need to move that switch 'ever so slightly', which likely stemmed from the internal engineering requirements of the CMDA radio and related tech.
It just makes me consider just how dense the internals of the iP4 must be, to the point where available space is measured in hundredths of a millimeter and that move was necessary to fit 'something somewhere' after they ran out of options.