Apple could be reviving a blast from the past for its upcoming iPhone 17 Air — a bumper case design reminiscent of the one it introduced with the iPhone 4 back in 2010.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new bumper would wrap around the edges of the phone but leave the back completely exposed. The original iPhone 4 bumpers were made of rubber, offering a slim layer of protection without hiding the phone’s design.
The move makes sense: the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature an ultra-thin profile, and many buyers might hesitate to bulk it up with a traditional case. A bumper could be the perfect middle ground — guarding against drops and scratches while keeping the sleek feel intact.
Apple’s history with bumpers is memorable. During the infamous “antennagate” saga in 2010 — when holding the iPhone 4 a certain way could disrupt signal — the company handed out free bumper cases to customers as a fix.
There’s more in the works, too. The Information’s Wayne Ma reports that Apple is also planning an iPhone 17 Air battery case for extra power on the go. The company hasn’t released a battery case since the iPhone 11 lineup, later replacing it with the now-discontinued MagSafe Battery Pack for newer models.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series — along with any new accessories — at its September event. Fans won’t have to wait long to see if this nostalgic accessory makes its comeback.
