iPhone 17 Air: Is the "bumper" coming back?

Apple's thinnest iPhone to date, the 17 Air expected in September (final name still unclear), poses a challenge for buyers: How to protect it without losing its biggest advantage, the thinness of the case? Apple's typical cases are too bulky, just like folios. The thinness effect would be lost. For this reason, Apple is said to have considered reviving an old concept: the so-called bumper. This is a rubber-like surround that is attached around the iPhone case. It does not cover the screen or the back. Instead, the edge area is protected and indirectly the display and back, as the bumper protrudes forwards and backwards. This means that if the iPhone lands on the ground, its impact force will (hopefully) not reach the display or the back.

Previously Antennagate and now thinness

Bumpers have played a rather inglorious role in the history of the iPhone. Apple invented them in connection with the iPhone 4, and they became famous primarily because they were supposed to help against the infamous Antennagate. The iPhone lost reception quality if it was held "the wrong way". The bumper ensured that fingers did not come into contact with the antenna area. After a lot of publicity about the antenna problems, Apple even gave away cases and bumpers to iPhone buyers.

Bloomberg-Apple reporter Mark Gurman reported on X that he "believed" that Apple had "at least considered / tested" the case concept for the thin iPhone. However, it is unclear whether it will actually be implemented. According to Gurman, the idea is based on the aforementioned concept for the iPhone 4 bumper from 2010.

Liquid Silicon cases leaked

So far, only Apple's case ideas for the Pro models are known, at least if the leaker Majin Bu, who is probably based in Asia, is correct. After the so-called TechWoven cases – which are supposed to replace the unfortunate FineWoven aka fine fabric – he has now also presented other case designs that Apple is allegedly planning. At first glance, the cases, allegedly called Liquid Silicon, look like Apple's usual silicone cases for the iPhone. There are supposedly a total of eight colors, including two shades of orange, two shades of green and two shades of blue.

Apparently, the silicone cases are also intended for iPhone 17 and 17 Air, whereby the latter would lose its thinness advantages as mentioned. It is quite possible that – if Apple does not take action – other case manufacturers will present bumpers for the 17 Air. The concept itself actually fits well here, even if it hardly protects the device perfectly.

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