Apple To Revive Iconic Accent With The Upcoming iPhone 17 Air

Apple is reportedly testing the potential return of the Bumper case accent for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, in accordance with rumors shared by analyst Mark Gurman on the social media platform X (previously Twitter). This accent is predicted to cowl solely the sides of the cellphone, preserving the machine’s slim design, very like the unique Bumper case that was first launched with the iPhone 4. Nevertheless, there is no such thing as a indication that the undertaking has moved past the experimental part or entered manufacturing planning at the moment.

The unique Bumper case gained prominence because of the notorious “Antennagate” controversy, throughout which Apple distributed the instances freed from cost to affected customers. The important thing benefit of this type is its deal with defending the machine’s edges and corners whereas leaving the again uncovered, permitting the cellphone’s design parts to stay seen. This affords a center floor for customers who need some extent of safety with out absolutely enclosing the machine in a bulkier case.

I imagine Apple has at the least thought of/examined a brand new case for the slimmer iPhone this yr that surrounds the sides however doesn’t cowl the again. It’s an identical idea to the iPhone 4 Bumpers from 2010. https://t.co/6HYKmUUKSP pic.twitter.com/VzQGTFlOIg

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 24, 2025

At the moment, the Bumper case for the iPhone 17 Air stays an inside prototype underneath testing, and there’s no affirmation that will probably be launched as a industrial product. Gurman didn’t present extra particulars concerning the accent, leaving its future unsure.

The iPhone 17 Air itself is predicted to draw consideration inside Apple’s subsequent smartphone lineup resulting from its ultra-thin profile, drawing comparisons to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. Nevertheless, the slim design might come at the price of diminished battery capability. To compensate, Apple may reintroduce or replace the Sensible Battery Case to increase battery life for this mannequin.

Apple’s full iPhone lineup, together with the iPhone 17 Air, is rumored to be unveiled on September 9, marking the official launch occasion for the collection. Till then, particulars about equipment just like the potential Bumper case stay speculative and a part of inside testing with no official launch affirmation.

The potential return of the Bumper case displays Apple’s consideration of balancing safety, design, and performance for its ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, whereas adapting equipment reminiscent of charging instances to deal with battery life challenges inherent to thinner gadgets.

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