Apple poised to discontinue iPhone 4 bumper
updated 05:20 pm EDT, Thu September 15, 2011
Suggests Apple dropping iPhone 4 form factor
Apple is on the verge of discontinuing the official iPhone 4 bumper case, at least in its current form, a report indicates. 9to5Mac cites an anonymous source on the matter, providing little other detail. The move would make sense if the next-generation iPhone is switching to tapered edges as believed, although by extension it may imply that Apple is diminishing or completely eliminating the iPhone 4's status in its upcoming lineup. Since 2009 Apple has kept the previous year's iPhone around as a cheaper option.
Although Apple hasn't published exact sales numbers, the bumper has gradually fallen out of favor. Even at launch people criticized the product for providing very little protection for $29, and over time, more and more third-party options have become available. The greatest surge in adoption may have been spurred by the company's free case giveaway, meant to address reception problems triggered by the so-called "death grip."
