When the iPhone 4 launched in June this year, one of the talking points about the new model was the material used for the glass panel. Steve Jobs had noted in his keynote speech that the front and back panels of the new iPhone 4 was made of aluminosilicate glass that has been chemically strengthened to be 30 times harder than plastic.
Apple has also advertised this panel as being "more scratch resistant and more durable than ever".
However, folks at iFixyouri had refuted these claims back then by demonstrating that the glass panel was in fact susceptible to shock and sudden impact. More recently, there were reports that suggested that the slide-on cases that are distributed by third party accessory manufacturers had a tendency to gather dirt between the glass back panel and the case causing scratches and also shattering of the rear pane in some cases.
The susceptibility of the glass back to scratches and cracks has brought in some really interesting solutions. Hong Kong based CNN (Cellular Nationwide Network) is selling a new metal backplate that can replace the iPhone 4 glass back panel with a really good-looking aluminium alternative though I must admit I really like the glass back panel, one of the primary reasons for settling for the iPhone 4 bumper.
Replacing the back panels should be incredibly easy - You have to remove the two screws on either side of the Dock connector port, replace the glass back with the metal plate and secure the screws back. The aluminium backplate comes with nicely beveled sides that makes the panel all the more attractive.
Metal backplates have been known to block RF waves and therefore affect call quality. However, according to Wired, the external antenna design of the new iPhone 4 should ensure that the call quality is not affected due to this aluminium backplate. The units are currently back-ordered at a price of $13.99 and are available from the "CNN" website in two colors - silver metal and black.
Please note that these metal backplates may not be available for purchase for long. As Wired points out, the units come imprinted with the familiar "Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China" tag that may soon be targeted by Apple for trademark violations.
Let us know your thoughts on the aluminium backplate in the comments.
[via Wired]
Cool
WHAT ITS THE POINT ?
So the glass back doesn't break.
Lmao
Just ordered one…
I think it makes it look more like the original iPhone… I liked the brushed metal look.
The price is 14$ not 13…lol just saying
A far better solution that crApple should have implemented
metal, microwaves (toasty) and no signal loss, right..
where can you order one???
I picked one up about 2 months ago off ebay for $5 and love it.
am i the only person that thinks this makes it look so ugly?
I second that
Yes its ugly
DO YOU GUYS KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THAT ..THE UNLOCK FOR BASEBAND 15.14.02 COMING OUT WITHIN A WEEK … I HEARD THEY ALREADY HAVE IT READY ..
maybe it would be in an article THAT TALKS ABOUT UNLOCKING.
sheesh
i REALLY like the look of this..
i just ordered one off cnn.cn
18 buck total with shipping..
Does anyone know if this helps with the signal/reception loss for the iphone 4??
Thsnks
I want one. Gotta have it.
STFU man! dont you see what is the article talking about/
Shheshhh!!!
Ask in a damn unlocking article…
I hate dumbasses like yourself!!!
I ordered it also
Looks beautiful. A lot of mixed opinions about how it looks. I personally think the white one looks ugly but many people don't. It's okay to have your opinion. One persons garbage is another persons treasure 
I got a leather back and it looks really good
YOU ARE REALLY CLOSED-MIND AND STUPID MAN …
WHEN YOU DONT KNOW SOMETHING …DO YOURSELF A BIG FAVOR JUST SHUT UP
I've got bareback and it FEELS great!!!
Before you get your phone unlocked you should check your keyboard. Your caps lock doesn't seem to be working.
no it says Price : $13.99 USD
remember to use plenty of lube :p
I think they should have stuck with the 3gs design with of course all the 4 improvements. you put a invisashield from zagg on that 3gs and you could almost use the thing as a hockey puck its so durable,not like this fragile 4.
would it void the warranty?
First!
You mean like, 20th?
=D
First!
They look pretty awesmoe. There is more colors then just the aluminum brushed metal and black. There is blue, red, orange, ect. They're pretty neat. IF I owned an iPhone 4 (own 3GS) I'd get one.
while it is nice.
If you remove the screws, and change the back, that pretty much voids the warranty. If however you still keep the original back glass and in case of any problem, all you need to is is put the original one back in, take it to the store and get it replaced (if servicing is needed that is). If you know that you won't use your warranty at all then go for it. Because it will void warranty.
Actually you are incorrect. This option does not void your warranty as long as you keep the original plate incase you need it serviced. The only tampering detection apple currently has is a sticker placement on the processor\battery. When removing the back plate you will see the sticker. Simply remove the plate and reinstall new and you will be fine. Just make sure to change it back to the original before going into apple if you experience any problems. Very simple and fast install show shouldnt be any problem…
what about 2.10.04, any idea?
So you mean you're to replace the glass back panel before it even shatters? That's a waste of time money and style.
Totally agree dude … Glass panel is cool and unqiue
i received mines from hong kong and using it with the 007 element case here wa it looks like……..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax89p7KnOEA&hd=1
Just bought one, will install on my iphone when it shows up from the repairer 8( Whish I had seen this before sending it away. But now it will match my iPad2
Im also going to investigate getting it anodized gloss black if I end up not liking the silver. I think the beveled shape will make it easier to work our which way round it is in my pocket now without looking, so I can keep the screen. I wasn’t able to get the specific plate shown here, but Amazon had a selection that was similar, and some completely flat ones too.
I think I need one because my brother just broke my glass on the back of mine <|3
Just dropped the phone rear glass shattered. What a disaster hope to find one in south africa.
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Did anyone had any issues with signal, I just got my back plate shuttered and want to know if replacing it with this metal plate will cause any issues with the signal.