Apple Rumored to be Working on iPhone 4-Style Bumper Case for iPhone 17 Air

Apple is reportedly testing a bumper case for the iPhone 17 Air, similar to the one it offered for the iPhone 4 in 2010. The case would provide basic protection against scuffs and scratches while retaining the phone's sleek design. In addition, Apple is also working on a Smart Battery Case to address concerns about the phone's battery life. The bumper case has not yet been confirmed, but it could be a great option for those looking for protection without compromising the phone's look.

Apple is reportedly testing a bumper case for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, similar to the one it offered for the iPhone 4 in 2010. The case would provide basic protection against scuffs and scratches while retaining the phone's sleek design. In addition, Apple is also working on a Smart Battery Case to address concerns about the phone's battery life. The bumper case has not yet been confirmed, but it could be a great option for those looking for protection without compromising the phone's look.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air version of the bumper case would cover the edges of the device but not the back, similar to the iPhone 4 bumper case. This design would allow customers to enjoy the phone's ultra-thin design while still having some level of protection against drops and scratches [1].

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have an ultra-thin design, which could make customers reluctant to put it inside a regular case. A bumper case would be a fitting compromise, providing protection without adding significant thickness. Apple last released battery cases for the iPhone 11 lineup, followed by the MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 12 models and newer [1].

Apple is also expected to unveil an iPhone 17 Air battery case for extra battery life on the go. This could be particularly beneficial for users who frequently use their phones for long periods or in areas with poor charging infrastructure. The battery case would likely be available in a variety of colors to match the iPhone 17 Air's design [1].

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have an ultra-thin design, similar to Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge. It is expected to have a 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 1,260x2,740 pixels. The phone could come in black, blue, silver, purple, and green, and it could have 12GB of RAM. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a 2,800-mAh battery, potentially the first Apple phone to use a high-density silicon battery, which could increase actual battery capacity by between 15% to 20% [2].

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series and any related accessories in September. The event is likely to take place on September 9 or 10, with preorders beginning on September 12 and a release date of September 19 [2].

References:
[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/24/iphone-17-air-bumper-case-rumor/
[2] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-iphone-17-event-september-2025-what-to-expect/