iPhone 4 Marching Across the Globe to 17 More Markets

Apple’s latest tour de force, the iPhone 4, is set to expand its global reach this week, with release in seventeen additional markets scheduled for July 30th.

The iPhone has undergone a complete design revamp between the third generation iPhone 3GS and the fourth generation iPhone 4. In an attempt to make the iPhone 4 sleeker than its predecessors, the antenna has been wrapped around the perimeter of the case.

However, the iPhone 4 has been marred by controversy within days of release. “Antennagate” stemmed from the new hardware design, with users reporting crippling signal loss simply by holding their iPhone 4. Apple first blamed consumers for not holding their iPhone 4s correctly, then blamed signal software. Steve Jobs notably attacked consumers in an email, saying they should hold it differently. After weeks of controversy climaxed into Consumer Reports labeling the iPhone 4 as a not recommended, Apple finally relented and allowed for a free case program to alleviate the signal problems. They have yet to completely admit fault with the iPhone 4 and continue to blame consumers for the signal difficulties. There is no word yet on whether the iPhone 4 will be completely fixed for its release to new markets or whether they will receive free cases.

The iPhone 4 will reach the new markets of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland on July 30th. A noticeable absence from the list is South Korea, where Apple blames government regulators. The South Korean government insists Apple and KT, the South Korean carrier of the phone, have yet to even submit the iPhone 4 for regulatory approval. Given Apple’s previous difficulties in stating the truth about the iPhone 4, it seems clear who can be believed.

Canada, Other Contries To Get iPhone 4