How many phone screens have you broken after an accidental drop or an awkward knock? Those days may be coming to an end, judging from a new patent from Apple that has been spotted this week. It shows a unique spring-loaded bumper case system that would deploy – like an airbag – in the event of a dropped phone. Apple’s case wouldn’t just protect your £600 gadget from the perils of a linoleum floor either. According to the accompanying patent documents, it would also serve as a flotation device. The patent explains, “The shock absorbers may include buoyant materials which permits the portable electronic device to float in the event that it is dropped or otherwise exposed to a water environment.” Handy, for those of us prone to dropping our iPhones down the toilet or in the bath. Silicon Beat, which spotted the patent, reported it was filed in May 2014 with the US Trademark and Patent Office. They report that it was awarded to Apple on April 4, 2017. Of course, we don’t know for sure that Apple has plans to actually develop its bumper system into a working prototype. But it would make for a great accessory to go along with the company’s rumoured iPhone 8 later this year. iPhone is a line of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc. They run Apple’s iOS mobile operating system.