Delicate, heavy, ugly, and slippery.
Key Takeaways
The iPhones glass back is heavy, delicate, and ruins otherwise great colors.
So why does Apple keep making them?
Apple
In its early years, the iPhones back was made from aluminum and plastic.
Whats Wrong With Glass?
The biggest problem with glass is that its breakable.
Apple
If your iPhones screen cracks, youll see it and feel it every time you use the phone.
But wouldnt it be better if it didnt break at all?
Replacing a glass back panel is also tricky.
“Apple uses epoxy glue and small welds to attach the circuit board and other components to the back.
This makes it difficult to replace the back glass.
The other downside of glass is its heavy.
Not only heavier than plastic, but heavier than thin aluminum, too.
And finally, it looks and feels bad.
Cover it up with a case, I say, and make it even heavier.
Why Glass, Anyway?
The only reason to make the rear panel out of glass is to allow Qi charging.
A metal back would block this transfer, although plastic would be fine.
Qi has many downsides other than the requirement for glass.
This is especially ironic given that Apple stopped putting USB chargers in iPhone boxes for environmental reasons.
