The iPhone 4 was my first. I used a bumper on it and it kept the phone in pristine condition for 2 years. The bumper cracked and I replaced it with a new one. The new one would press on the buttons randomly. They basically managed to screw up the quality over 2 years so that it was unusable. I figured it out after exchanging it multiple times then eventually just getting a refund. Been caseless & without protection ever since. Even if they make one now it’ll be bad. Because that’s what Apple does.
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Apple Has Reportedly Considered Releasing iPhone 17 Air Bumper Case
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A phone doesn’t need a ridiculous array of cameras to be a phone
… and to be perfectly complementing the cosmetically enhanced iOS 26, the strap would be transparent 😊
I remember the iPhone 4 for two reasons:
• first reasonably decent camera and
• the lousy reception [mostly on the cell tower side].
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Correct, but in 2025 a phone does need competent cameras to be a flagship smartphone. Apple makes lower end models for y'all that do not want such competent cameras.
Why would Apple cheap out and only charge $50 for the strap?
That, the new emphasis on iOS UI cosmetics, and the lanyard hole idea posted by Kottu make me think that this 17 model instead of Air should called iPhone 17 FE, introducing an all new sleek but underpowered Fashion Edition series 😊
A clear plastic bumper case for the 17 Air could look cool. You’d end up cleaning the inside of it all the time with the little bits of stuff that works it’s way into any phone case… if you could rinse it out with water you might even call it a liquid glass looking case. 😉
Hmm what about the R&D cost 🤔 gotta mark it up further!
The reason the bumper case worked well with the iPhone 4 is because the rear camera was flush mounted. A bumper case wouldn't work as well with an iPhone with a camera bump, unless the bumper case was much thicker than the ones made for the iPhone 4. One reason the iPhone 4's rear camera was flush mounted is because Steve Jobs was CEO at the time, and unlike Tim Cook, Jobs had taste. Cook is a tasteless bean-counting corporate suit with an MBA degree, and thus allowed something as stupid as a camera bump.
When iPhone 17 Air rumors first surfaced, I dismissed the idea of buying it because of its weak battery and thought a Pro model would be better than using a battery case.
But day-to-day, I have chargers at home, work, and in my car, so battery life isn’t an issue. When I travel, I always carry a portable MagSafe charger.
Given that, the thinner phone now seems like the smarter choice.
The only question for me now is how much worse the camera will be, that’s likely going to be the dealbreaker.
But day-to-day, I have chargers at home, work, and in my car, so battery life isn’t an issue. When I travel, I always carry a portable MagSafe charger.
Given that, the thinner phone now seems like the smarter choice.
The only question for me now is how much worse the camera will be, that’s likely going to be the dealbreaker.
Do yourself a favor and just ignore Apple cases altogether. You can find better quality and value pretty much anywhere else.
I’m not a case guy but could maybe get inboard with the bumber case. I remember liking them and could be a good halfway point to get the non case peeps buying again
So would Jobs not have cameras with the current capabilities or would he just make the entire phone thicker to accommodate the cameras?
Personally I would prefer the first option!
Would probably shave half the price off of the phone as well
Any photographers I know, hobbyist or professional, use standalone cameras not phones
I have been using K Tomoto silicone bumper cases since the 13 mini, and I absolutely love them. Love the grippy feel of the silicone. Love that the back is open. I use a Momostick in conjunction with the bumper. Sort of like a loopy case but better IMO.
