Apple said Friday that the white version of its iPhone 4 will not be available until later this year. The company also unveiled details about its free iPhone 4 case program.
Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said earlier this month that the white phone would be available by late July, but manufacturing challenges have put those plans on hold.
"White models of Apple's new iPhone 4 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."
The white model has been on hold since Apple started taking pre-orders on June 15. Buyers hoping to snag one of the smartphones were met with a note that said the white ones were not available for pre-order.
Controversy over reception on the iPhone 4 – black and white presumably – prompted Apple to provide all iPhone 4 buyers with a free bumper or case, which has shown to alleviate connectivity problems.
Apple has now released additional details about how iPhone 4 buyers can get one of the free cases. First, users must download the "iPhone 4 Case Program" app from the App Store. Second, they must launch the app on their phone, sign in using their iTunes Store account or Apple ID, and select the desired case.
Those who bought their iPhone 4 before July 23 must apply for a free case no later than Aug. 22, Apple said. Everyone else must apply within 30 days of purchase.
During a press conference announcing the case program, Jobs said this deal will initially only run until Sept. 30, at which point Apple will re-evaluate the offer. No word on whether those who wait for a white iPhone 4 will be able to take advantage of the free case offer.