Apple Delays White iPhone 4

Eager to get your hands on the white iPhone 4?

Your wait just got a bit longer.

Apple announced that it will delay release of the white iPhone 4.

“White models of Apple’s new iPhone have continued to be more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected, and as a result they will not be available until later this year,” Apple said in a statement. “The availability of the more popular iPhone 4 black models is not affected.”

Black iPhones have also been on back order, though delays tend to be three weeks or so. And why the white model is more challenging to produce than its black sibling remains something of a mystery.

The new iPhones have been plagued with complaints about the antennae and dropped calls. Apple responded by saying that all purchasers of the new iPhone would get a free case, which should help with the issue.

How can you get your free case, you ask.

You download an iPhone 4 Case Program app from the App Store and launch the app on your phone using your iTunes Store account or Apple ID. You then select your bumper or case. Apple will check the “IMEI” (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and serial number to verify you have an iPhone 4.

In addition to Apple’s own bumpers, you can choose cases from Incase, Belkin, Griffin and Speck; the cases ship in 3 to 5 weeks.

For iPhone 4 purchases made before July 23, you must apply no later than August 22; otherwise you must apply within 30 days of your iPhone 4 purchase. To qualify for the program you must purchase your iPhone 4 by September 30, 2010.

If you already bought a bumper from Apple, you’re eligible for a full refund including taxes and shipping fees. If you bought the bumper by credit card, Apple says it’s already refunded your account, though it may take a full billing cycle for the refund to appear. If you paid cash, check or used a gift card at an Apple Retail Store, you must return to the store with your receipt by Sept 30.