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Apple announces Bumpers for iPhone 4, gets into the protection biz

During an Apple keynote, it's almost impossible to catch all of the info flooding out of Moscone. One thing we did catch, and then had to search for, was something about "Bumpers."

A quick look at the pages on the Apple Web site didn't seem to show anything until I scrolled to the bottom of the Tech Specs page. Lo and behold, there was a very short description of Bumpers. Available in six colors (white, black, blue, green, orange, or pink), Bumpers slip over the stainless steel edge of your iPhone 4. They come with metal buttons for volume and power and are made of a combo of rubber and molded plastic.

This may explain why we've received several tips over the last few days from people saying that iPhone cases are being removed from the Apple Stores. Bumpers are Apple's first foray into the iPhone case business (a market that has been run by third parties so far), and it will be fascinating to see not only how they sell, but what the reaction will be from long-time case manufacturers.
In other news, iLuv followed up the invisible Apple announcement of Bumpers with word of their own line of iPhone 4 cases and screen protectors (below). The company is introducing a line of screen protectors ranging in price from US $14.99 for clear or mirror screen protectors, $16.99 for a glare-free protector, $19.99 for a fingerprint-free protector, and $49.99 for a 2-way privacy screen protector.
iLuv is also coming out with a complete range of cases with prices from $19.99 for the SPECTRUM silicone case to $34.99 for the FUSION dual-layer case with stand (at far right, above).

This is sure to be the first announcement of a potential flood of iPhone 4 accessory releases. It looks like iPhone 4 owners will have plenty of choice from Apple and third-parties.

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During an Apple keynote, it's almost impossible to catch all of the info flooding out of Moscone. One thing we did catch, and then had to...
 

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hijack

I don't mind the look of the bumper and think it would be a good thing to protect both the phone and other things but my concern is that the stainless steel band is the aerial for the wifi and 3G & bluetooth. Wouldn't a rubber or silicon cover interfere with the signal?

June 14 2010 at 5:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Greg Roberts

I was thinking more about a case to protect the back from getting scratched, and the front (and back I suppose) glass from cracking during a drop. Much as I hate having my phone in a case, the last few weeks without an iPhone due to me dropping mine has me thinking otherwise.....

June 09 2010 at 3:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Smart EV

Love them, because they still made the iPhone to look sexy.
The white one with the white bumper is even hotter.

June 08 2010 at 8:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
deluded spider

Oh man, the pink on the white is awesome! But I'm not tired of my Gelaskin on my 3G... yet.

https://www.gelaskins.com/skins.php?SkinID=97&DeviceID=25&s=a&CategoryID=

Argh, I just got an iPhone for Christmas! Otherwise I'd ask for one for my birthday at the beginning of July. :(

June 08 2010 at 1:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to deluded spider's comment
Lordthree

Same here! I got a 3g last year in august ... By the time my contract is up on this one, they'll probably be selling the iPhone 6!

June 08 2010 at 10:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
taoprophet420

I want the blue one for the white phone. The bumper helps keep the phone from rubbing against tables and other surfaces that can scratch it.

June 08 2010 at 12:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
digitalsedition

This things look AWFUL IMO...

June 07 2010 at 10:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Noah Ramon

I'll hold out for a Speck ToughSkin for the 4. Had one for my 5G iPod, dropped the thing onto pavement, couple of bounces, no problems. Likewise with the iPhone 3G, same story. I don't care that they look like a Harley tire only with deeper treads, they're frighteningly good at protecting their contents.

(And yeah, I'm a klutz.)

June 07 2010 at 7:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Doc Rock

Reminds me of the old Sidekick bumpers, But the good news is they do come in Orange.

Maybe this will help Netherlands win the World Cup for me.

June 07 2010 at 7:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rocker

Why isn't the phone just built with the bumpers built-in in the first place?

June 07 2010 at 7:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Arnie Weinstein

Early buyers always pay top price. Wait a few days after the release and check eBay for better deals.

June 07 2010 at 6:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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