Apple internally tested launching an iPhone 4-style bumper case for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, according to an unconfirmed report. The slim case would have covered the phone’s edges, leaving the back exposed.
Such a thin case would highlight the iPhone 17 Air’s super-thin design. However, it’s unclear whether Apple will launch the case.
A throwback to the iPhone 4 era
Leaks already showcased Apple’s rumored new TechWoven cases for the iPhone 17 lineup. The TechWoven line reportedly will replace the much-criticized FineWoven micro-twill cases that Apple released in 2023 (and then quickly discontinued). The TechWoven cases feature a more textured finish, which should help them better withstand daily wear and tear.
But besides the new FineWoven cases, Apple supposedly also considered a bumper case for the iPhone 17 Air. The case surrounded the phone’s edge, leaving its back exposed. Such a design would help strike a balance between the iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-thin 5.5mm frame and everyday durability.
As Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman puts it, the case would be similar to the bumper case that Apple offered for the iPhone 4 in 2010. Today, bumper cases are rare. Most smartphone makers no longer sell them as official accessories, primarily because they don’t offer enough protection against daily dings and drops.
I believe Apple has at least considered/tested a new case for the slimmer iPhone this year that surrounds the edges but doesn’t cover the back. It’s a similar concept to the iPhone 4 Bumpers from 2010. https://t.co/6HYKmUUKSP pic.twitter.com/VzQGTFlOIg
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 24, 2025
It remains unclear if Apple will launch the bumper-style case for the iPhone 17 Air, though. Internal testing does not always mean the company will launch the product.
iPhone 17 Air might also get a battery case
A report from May 2025 also pointed to Apple considering launching a battery case for the iPhone 17 Air. Due to the phone’s sleek design, battery life is unlikely to be as good as its regular and Pro siblings. To make up for that, the company supposedly is considering launching a Smart Battery Case. It will apparently magnetically snap on the back of the thin iPhone and extend its battery life by more than 50%.
Apple previously offered the MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 12 and newer models. It extended the runtime of these devices, but at the expense of significant bulk. Again, no recent leaks confirm whether Apple will release the battery case for iPhone 17 Air.
Head over to our iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup to see what Apple’s slimmest iPhone ever could offer.
