iPhone 4 Case Program Launches: Bumper, Belkin, Griffin, Incase & Speck Cases Up For Grabs

The white iPhone 4 may not be available until later in 2010, but what Apple can give you now is a free case for your black handset.  As promised last week, the Cupertino company has kicked off its iPhone 4 Case Program: a new app for the smartphone allows owners to pick either an Apple Bumper or a third-party case at no charge.

The app follows word earlier today that Apple had begun refunding those who bought a Bumper through the official Apple Store online, with money automatically being returned to the payment method initially used (and including shipping and taxes).  However that does mean that those iPhone 4 owners won't be able to choose a second case under Apple's scheme, only get a refund for the Bumper they've already bought.

Right now there are only black cases available, and aside from the official Bumper you can take your pick from the Belkin Shield Micra, Griffin Motif, Griffin Reveal, Incase Snap Case, Speck Fitted and Speck PixelSkin HD.  Expected delivery time is three to five weeks, and the app checks your handset's IMEI number so that you can't get more than one.

In order to qualify, you need to have bought your iPhone 4 before September 30th (obviously that's not a problem right now); however, if you bought it prior to July 23rd 2010 you need to apply for your free case no later than August 22nd.  Everyone else has 30 days from the point of purchase to apply.  You can download the app here [iTunes link].