We previously reviewed an exciting modification of the Apple iPhone Air with a transparent back by the channel Phone Repair Guru, but YouTuber Linzin decided to go further. Not only did he give the phone a transparent back with the help of customization experts in China’s Huaqiangbei market, but he also added a fully functional physical SIM slot.
The process was not as easy as it might seem. Removing the layers of paint from the back glass was not the biggest challenge. Rather, the real difficulty was in carrying out the process using a laser while avoiding damaging the MagSafe charging coil, especially since the MagSafe external battery is an important solution for many users. After completing this stage, the back glass became completely transparent, revealing the internal components of the phone in striking details.
Linzin then took a more daring step, tasking the modification team with drilling a large hole into the phone’s body to add a traditional SIM slot. The move forced Apple’s original vibration motor to be removed and replaced with a smaller third-party motor to make room.
After performing fine adjustments to the motherboard level via professional soldering, the SIM port worked normally and the phone booted without problems.
Although the procedure was technically successful, there were some negative consequences. The phone’s thermal performance has noticeably deteriorated due to the removal of the rear thermal pads during the paint removal process, and the device has also lost its resistance to dust and water. In addition, the microphone ribbon cable later became disconnected, requiring the phone to be returned for repair.
In the end, Linzin achieved his goal of having the iPhone Air with a transparent back and a physical SIM slot that reduces the complexities of swapping eSIMs. But the price was clear: poorer thermal performance, less durability, and a completely voided warranty.
