A brave YouTuber just modded their iPhone Air with a transparent case and built-in SIM card slot thanks to a 'dream collaboration' — but it isn't for the faint-hearted

• YouTuber Linzin hacked their iPhone Air with some ingenious modifications
• The changes added a transparent back and a custom SIM card slot
• But the procedure resulted in some notable drawbacks, too

Would you be tempted to buy a transparent version of Apple’s iPhone Air? You can’t get one from any official source, but one YouTuber has recently documented how a “dream collaboration” with enterprising engineers in China’s Huaqiangbei electronics market helped to make it a reality – although it involved a heap of sacrifices.

The device was revealed by YouTuber Linzin, who had it custom-made at the Huaqiangbei market by several of the resident traders. During the 22-minute video, Linzin explained how the paint on the iPhone’s back cover was laser-stripped and its internal thermal pads removed, leaving just a clear back plate. The iPhone was then reassembled with its new look.

This didn ...