Read the case study below and answer the following question:

Apple Inc. is renowned for its innovative products and exceptional customer experience. However, the company faced a significant challenge in $2010$ when the iPhone $4$ was released. Shortly after its launch, numerous customers reported issues with the phone's antenna, leading to dropped calls and poor signal strength when held in a particular way, a problem dubbed "Antennagate." This incident highlighted the importance of listening to the voice of the customer $($VOC$)$ and incorporating customer feedback into product design and quality improvement processes.

Initially, Apple's response to the antenna issue was dismissive, with the company's co$-$founder Steve Jobs suggesting that customers were holding the phone incorrectly. However, as the complaints grew louder and more widespread, Apple recognized the need to address the VOC. The company conducted extensive research, analyzing customer feedback, and ultimately issued a public apology and offered free cases to mitigate the antenna problem.

Learning from this experience, Apple implemented a more robust VOC program. The company established dedicated customer feedback channels, including online forums, social media monitoring, and direct customer surveys. Additionally, Apple encouraged its retail store employees to actively listen to customer concerns and report them to product development teams. This VOC data was then analyzed using sophisticated tools and methodologies to identify recurring issues, prioritize improvements, and inform future product design decisions.

The incorporation of VOC into Apple's quality processes has yielded significant benefits. Subsequent iPhone models have exhibited fewer widespread hardware and software issues, and customer satisfaction levels have remained high. Furthermore, Apple's proactive approach to VOC has enabled the company to anticipate emerging customer needs and preferences, leading to the development of innovative features and products that resonate with its user base.

Questions:

$1.$ What was the challenge faced by Apple with the iPhone $4$ launch?

$2.$ How did Apple initially respond to the antenna issue, and why was this response problematic?Describe the steps Apple took to improve its VOC program after the "Antennagate" incident.

$3.$ What benefits has Apple experienced by incorporating VOC into its quality processes?

$4.$ Provide an example of how listening to VOC can help a company like Apple stay ahead of customer needs and preferences.