White iPhone 4: early DIY edition, with a touch of black (update: new pics with dock)
By Richard Lai 
posted June 27th 2010 11:02AM
posted June 27th 2010 11:02AM
P.S. -- We've had many readers asking where we got the parts, but the link's already in the post. Knowing some Chinese helps, too.
Update: we caved in and unboxed our iPhone 4 dock for a few more shots. It's worth noting that our prototype white covers don't quite match the dock's whiteness -- we'd say the covers look a touch warmer and darker. Knowing how picky Jony Ive is with colors, we're guessing Apple's buying time to get the paint job right.
Update 2: we acquired a broken black back plate and managed to fit its lens cover onto our white one. Win.
Replacing the back cover is hardly a challenge -- just remove the two screws at the bottom and then slide the cover up, but to get to the front cover you'll need to take out most of the components. We'll be honest with you: dissecting a brand new toy isn't exactly the most pleasant experience in the world. Even with a brilliant teardown guide, there'll always be somewhere that requires super delicate fiddling. For instance, we struggled with removing the battery and the front cover due to some nasty double-sided tape, so we had to poke around extra carefully to avoid any damage. At one point, we spent about 20 minutes wondering why the logic board wouldn't go back in, only to realize that a well-disguised screw was in the way. Other than that, we'd say this was a pretty straightforward mod (so long as you keep track of all your screws, of course).
Once fitted, we were saddened to find out that our white covers weren't complete -- the front one's missing an earpiece grill, whereas the back cover lacks a lens cover and a LED diffuser. We did consider cannibalizing the original black covers, but the small parts needed were strongly glued on. Ah well, considering the mod's in full working order (discounting the infamous antenna issue), we'll make do with this and avoid touching the lens. Now, where do we sign up for eBay?
How much did this all cost??
@uck It probably costs enough time and effort to just wait for the white iphone, imo.
@uck
The white one looks dirty with all the black hardware inside of it.
It will look even dirtier when the phone is in daylight.
Its definitely a hot color no doubt.
@uck
this must be the left handed version!
the touch of black actually makes it look bad..
all white was better i guess..
10 hours since last iPhone 4 post... Guess they have to produce news about it when there arent any..
@dark star
actually the Bumper says it all... LoL
and here i thought all engadget iPhone 4's didnt have any reception issues.... Riiiiiigghht!!! ;P
Where's the "hard to manufacture"?
@uck
Looks goodie
@uck
JUNK. Utter KIRF-ish junk. Done on an EVO or anything else, this would be lauded as crap, non-complete butchery.
But alas, it's MAGICAL.
About had it here with this dub-standard.
@sketch42 Why do you say that? They said they can reproduce it in the podcast...
@uck seriously Engadget... white back from china. Really come on, just do a Gizmondo and buy one of some random Vietnamese guy
@Nomi
In every article about this issue they say that their phones do not have the issue...
@sketch42
Actually I seem to remember them saying apple was giving out the bumpers for free to people who waited in line for so long. So if you got one for free why in the world wouldn't you put it on..
@Kibbe17 Pretty sure that was in the UK where they had some activation delays. I waited overnight and ended up being about 12.5 hours and got no free bumpers. The guy kind of laughed when I asked.
@sketch42 No, they said in usage they don't experience the issue, which means that they do not hold their phones in a way in wish it is an issue. As long as you don't bridge the antennas with your hand (ie: complete an electrical connection) the phone will work much better then a 3gs or other phone with integral antenna.
@sketch42
Ooh, good catch! (no, I'm not being sarcastic)
@coolkams03
Racist.
@sbbc96
Plus opening up the iphone is pretty risky.
@coolkams03
Nah vice versa
@Professor Hubert J Farnsworth
:-D
@sketch42 right, because that's the only reason someone would buy a bumper case? you know, not to protect the phone. Therefore, if you ever see someone with a case for their iphone 4 you know exactly why! AMIRITE??
@uckApple
What? I think this black and white one looks amazingly sexy
@tklr08
That is not sexy. That looks freaking ugly like that. All black or all white looks way better. This way makes it look like an amateur put it together.
@sbbc96 Idk. i like the black and white touches than the full white.
@sbbc96
I wonder if colorware does things in white.. if they do i'm sure they'd be pretty darn busy right about now...
@benthe1
I like it, your opinion does not apply to me.
Is that bumper car thing around that so that you can actually use that stupid looking POS as a phone?
@uck
iPhone killer...literally. The DIY kit is probably gonna fuck up ur phone along with the warranty if u r not careful.
@uck
I likely cost quite a bit, or rather would cost quite a bit for normal consumers. I recall reading that the actual screen components (the LCD and the touch panel) are very much glued to the front glass piece, so if you were to replace the front glass, you'd need to buy the whole front part of the assembly as one, meaning you'd have to buy the glass and the actual screen.
I prefer the black one, wont show all the dirt!
@Pellinifool Only if it's black semi-seethrough dirt..
@Pellinifool
raciest
/s
@Pellinifool
black shows finger grease and any thing lighter than black.... which is only everything! ;-)
@Ic3Cold no im not a racist. This is about the colour of a phone.
@Pellinifool
here's a thought - keep your phones CLEAN.
@Pellinifool
That's what she said.
@tylersmyler
Yeah. Current list for Iphone owners: Keep your phones clean, never drop it and hold it certain way if you want to make a phone call. Easier said than done. Sounds like fun eh :-D
@Pellinifool
The white one wonbt show as many scratches which are a lot harder to get off than dirt.
@huzzlehoff Ha, yeah... Fortunately I've been using my iPhone 4 like any phone or iPhone I've used before and it's been fine. I don't think the 'reception' issue is that big of a deal, at least for me. I don't get the instant bar reduction many videos show when I hold it and use it, even in my palm.
worth it?
Most iPhone owners I know put a cover on it anyway, so the color of the actual phone is barely seen. For those folks, this wouldn't even matter.
@Smart People Play Tuba
Yep that is true - only top and bottom little bars are shown. Plus with additional case it actual extra protection. My 3G has drip and slid across gym floor several times and works perfect. Without a double a case and screen protector is going to be put on my iPhone 4 once I get my pre-order.
"domino!" (slams iphone on table and it shatters the "gorilla glass. meh.)
Reminds me an Oreo.
@EggoEspada
nah, go to my job and you'll see lots of oreos.
@Cg006
COOL! You work at an Oreo factory?
@Professor Hubert J Farnsworth
Buddy Christ has no limits!
@Cg006 racist
IPhone 4Cow
m00 ;))