Apple has taken no shortage of criticism over both the iPhone 4′s inherent antenna problems and the company’s response which blamed users for holding the handset incorrectly, interferring with reception.

Following bad reviews from the likes of Consumer Report and an angry internet buzz that seems to not be going away, Apple has begun fixing the issue via its refunding of customers who had purchased an official Apple bumper case. By keeping fingers away from the built-in antenna, the bumper case is able to resolve the reception problem without the need for a recall.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has promised a free bumper case to all iPhone 4 owners in lieu of a recall in order to cut the costs associated with the iPhone’s issues.