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 line 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 system’s slim design, very similar to the unique Bumper case that was first launched with the iPhone 4. Nonetheless, there isn’t a indication that the mission has moved past the experimental section or entered manufacturing planning at the moment.

The unique Bumper case gained prominence as a result of notorious “Antennagate” controversy, throughout which Apple distributed the circumstances freed from cost to affected customers. The important thing benefit of this model is its give attention to defending the system’s edges and corners whereas leaving the again uncovered, permitting the cellphone’s design parts to stay seen. This presents a center floor for customers who need a point of safety with out absolutely enclosing the system in a bulkier case.

I consider Apple has no less than thought-about/examined a brand new case for the slimmer iPhone this yr that surrounds the sides however doesn’t cowl the again. It’s an analogous idea to the iPhone 4 Bumpers from 2010. https://t.co/6HYKmUUKSP pic.twitter.com/VzQGTFlOIg

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 24, 2025

Presently, the Bumper case for the iPhone 17 Air stays an inside prototype beneath testing, and there’s no affirmation that it will likely be launched as a business product. Gurman didn’t present extra particulars in regards to the accent, leaving its future unsure.

The iPhone 17 Air itself is predicted to draw consideration inside Apple’s subsequent smartphone lineup on account of its ultra-thin profile, drawing comparisons to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. Nonetheless, the slim design may come at the price of lowered battery capability. To compensate, Apple would possibly 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 sequence. 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 corresponding to charging circumstances to deal with battery life challenges inherent to thinner units.

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