The transparent aesthetic has taken the tech world by storm, with everything from phones to laptops embracing this see-through trend. Apple, however, seems to be holding back, sticking to its traditional designs. But that hasn’t stopped enthusiasts from giving their iPhones a transparent makeover, and the latest daring adventure comes from Phone Repair Guru, who has transformed the iPhone 16 Pro into a transparent marvel.
This meticulous process involves painstakingly dismantling the phone, replacing the frosted glass back with a clear shell, and then carefully reassembling the device. It’s far from a simple swap; the iPhone’s glass back houses crucial components like the wireless charging coil.
The journey to transparency begins with applying heat to remove the graphite paper, a step that looks rather intense. However, the most challenging part is detaching the wireless charging coil from the glass shell. This intricate process requires a combination of heat, adhesive, and a MagSafe puck to safely remove the coil without damaging the delicate wires.
The next stage is an equally daring maneuver. The team behind the project immersed the iPhone’s rear glass panel in acid for three days, a step that could make even the most experienced tech enthusiast nervous. After this acid bath, the aluminum plate underneath the glass is sanded and treated with Gallium, a silvery metal that’s liquid at room temperature. This liquid metal weakens the aluminum cover, allowing it to be removed like paper with a knife.
This process results in a messy ordeal that requires a hot water bath to remove the residue and a bit of cool gas bubble fizz. The final stage involves using a razor blade to carefully remove the paint from the iPhone’s glass shell, revealing the transparent aesthetic. Once the shell reaches its transparent form, the parts, including the charging coil and camera components, are carefully reinstalled.
Fortunately, the entire process resulted in a fully functional iPhone 16 Pro with a stunning transparent design. While the phone looks absolutely fantastic, it’s crucial to remember that this is a highly complex process.
Even with the improvements Apple has made to its phones’ repairability, the intricate engineering makes it extremely difficult for the average person to handle this kind of modification without risking damage. Not to mention, the tools needed for this project will cost a pretty penny.
However, if you’re captivated by the idea of a transparent iPhone 16 Pro but don’t have the skills or the nerve to attempt this complex makeover, there are plenty of transparent decals available online. These decals offer a less intimidating way to achieve the transparent look without taking your phone apart.
The transparent iPhone 16 Pro is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the modding community. It’s a stunning example of how technology and design can be combined to create something truly eye-catching. However, it’s important to remember that this level of modification is not for the faint of heart.
