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Rumor: Apple testing iPhone 4-like case for iPhone 17 Air

Apple is expected to launch a new flavor of its Smart Battery Case alongside the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air next month. As it turns out, that’s not the only forgotten iPhone case the company has up its sleeve.

Mark Gurman reports that Apple has “at least considered/tested” a case for the iPhone 17 Air that “surrounds the edges but doesn’t cover the back.”

If that sounds familiar, it’s because Apple offered a Bumper case exactly like that for the iPhone 4 in 2010. You might even remember getting one for free in response to the Antennagate saga.

Gurman doesn’t provide any further details and it’s not clear if the Bumper-style case has made it out of the consideration/testing phase. A case like this would be a great way to offer a basic level of protection against scuffs and scratches for the iPhone 17 Air, while still retaining much of its visual sleekness.

In addition to this Bumper case, Apple is also rumored to be working on a Smart Battery Case for the iPhone 17 Air. One of the compromises of the device’s ultra-thin design will be battery life, and this case is one of the ways Apple plans to ease those concerns. Apple last sold a Smart Battery Case for the iPhone 11 series in 2019.

Should Apple offer a Bumper case for the iPhone 17 Air? Would you buy it? Let us know down in the comments.

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

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