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Don't try this at home: Anodizing the iPhone 15 Pro’s titanium frame and making it mighty cool

Published: Jan 22, 2024, 8:07 AM

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Don't try this at home: Anodizing the iPhone 15 Pro’s titanium frame and making it mighty cool

For better or worse, people – especially young people – don’t get along with the “Don’t try this at home” warning. As soon as they hear it, they stop whatever they’re doing at the moment and embark on an adventure that starts with them doing exactly what they’re not supposed to. Maybe not at home per se, but that’s irrelevant.

There are some things that people absolutely should do at home if they feel like it – like repairing a smartphone. This is iFixit’s philosophy, after all – they help many people fix their broken electronic stuff and lead the Right to Repair movement.

So, when iFixit’s latest piece says multiple times Don't try this at home, maybe it’s best to... – mild shock! – maybe it’s best to actually not try this at home.

What’s it all about?

In a nutshell, it’s about making the frame of the iPhone 15 Pro ultra cool without any cases, stickers and other dilettante methods and tools. Instead, iFixit’s article is about anodizing the titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro, because this is how one can create awesome colors and patterns!

Anodizing is an electrolytic process that grows a protective oxide layer on a metal surface. In simpler terms, the metal surface is corroded in a controlled manner and the layer of corrosion protects the underlying metal. The oxide layer is grown by submerging the part in an electrolyte bath and passing a current through it. Anodizing titanium grows a layer of titanium dioxide on the metal’s surface, which takes on a wide array of colors.

Don’t be tempted to use an older iPhone Pro, because not all metals are as amenable to anodization – the process is incompatible. For example, the stainless steel frame used on previous iPhones can’t be anodized.

What do I get out of anodizing the iPhone 15 Pro?

If treated correctly, the titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro gets a unique look with vibrant colors.

Like this, as shown in the iFixit’s article:

Wow! How do I get that?

Again – do not try this at home. The whole process – in theory and in practice – is thoroughly explained in the blog article. The text involves words and terms like “refractive index”, “wavelength”, “phase shift”, “destructive interference”, and more.

One more thing: the anodization includes the use of acid.

To stay safe, we worked in a well-ventilated area, donned goggles and a face shield, and wore two sets of nitrile gloves. Access to a supply of calcium gluconate gel is a must. In the event of skin exposure, the gel binds with the poisonous fluoride ion to neutralize it.

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Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.