Apple To Revive Iconic Accent With The Upcoming iPhone 17 Air

Apple is reportedly testing the attainable 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 anticipated to cowl solely the perimeters of the telephone, preserving the system’s slim design, very like the unique Bumper case that was first launched with the iPhone 4. Nevertheless, there isn’t any indication that the undertaking has moved past the experimental section or entered manufacturing planning presently.

The unique Bumper case gained prominence because of the notorious “Antennagate” controversy, throughout which Apple distributed the circumstances freed from cost to affected customers. The important thing benefit of this fashion is its concentrate on defending the system’s edges and corners whereas leaving the again uncovered, permitting the telephone’s design components 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 imagine Apple has no less than thought-about/examined a brand new case for the slimmer iPhone this yr that surrounds the perimeters 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

Presently, 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 business product. Gurman didn’t present further particulars concerning the accent, leaving its future unsure.

The iPhone 17 Air itself is anticipated to draw consideration inside Apple’s subsequent smartphone lineup attributable to its ultra-thin profile, drawing comparisons to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. Nevertheless, the slim design may come at the price of decreased 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 collection. Till then, particulars about equipment just like the attainable 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 comparable to charging circumstances to deal with battery life challenges inherent to thinner gadgets.

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