The anticipated iPhone 17 Air from Apple is said to have a thickness of 5.5mm. However, such a device will require protective accessories, including a screen protector and a case. While both components will safeguard the device, they will also increase the overall thickness of the phone, which somewhat undermines the aim. Opting for a bumper case akin to the notorious protective accessory of the iPhone 4 may prove to be more effective than a standard case, particularly if produced by Apple. In fact, reports suggest that the iPhone manufacturer has contemplated crafting bumper cases for the iPhone 17 Air, albeit it remains uncertain whether Apple will proceed with production.
“I think Apple has at least explored/tested a new case for the thinner iPhone this year that encloses the edges without covering the back,” Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned on X on Sunday. “It’s a concept akin to the iPhone 4 Bumpers from 2010.”
In reaction to the Antennagate issue, Apple produced bumper cases for the iPhone 4. Grasping the iPhone 4 could sometimes obstruct the cellular signal from the exposed antenna lines located on the sides of the metal shell. This resulted in connectivity problems and dropped calls. Apple addressed the dilemma by offering complimentary bumper cases to purchasers of the iPhone 4. The vibrant cases remained for sale in stores even after that.
