The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus feature a more repair-friendly design with a removable back glass panel, making it easier for users to make aftermarket modifications to the devices. Already, modifications have been made to the iPhone 14, whose clear rear glass panel allows the various components inside the device to be seen.
The clear back glass shows the battery, wireless charging coils, logic board, haptic engine, the inside of the lightning connector and more. The modified iPhone 14 even has a custom rear camera housing with a frosted finish.
This photo of the modified iPhone 14 was shared by some Twitter accounts today, but we haven’t identified the original source.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are the first models since the iPhone 4S to have an easily removable back glass. Over time, there will likely be many colorful clear backs for enthusiasts to use, just like in the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S era. Back in 2011, someone even modified the iPhone 4 to have an illuminated Apple logo on the back.
One potential obstacle to aftermarket modifications is that Apple requires technicians to complete “system configuration” after replacing the rear glass on iPhone 14 models. It’s unclear what happens if this software calibration process is bypassed – possibilities range from simple warnings about non-factory parts in iOS to compromised features like wireless charging.
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max do not come with a removable back glass panel.
