I 3D Printed a New Back for My iPhone 17 Pro (And It Actually Works)
Apple definitely didn’t have this in mind when they made the iPhone 17 Pro, but I like to think they made the removable back just for me because I can do this. If you crack it, the official repair can get pricey, and in some cases, you’re looking at a full housing swap.
So I decided to try something different, a 3D printed substitute. It’s a simple piece that snaps into place and gives the phone a clean, functional look without going through the whole repair nightmare.
Building a 3D Printed Back Glass
Instead of using Apple’s fancy new titanium and glass design, I decided to go full DIY with a 3D printed back glass replacement. If Apple wasn’t going to make the iPhone customizable, I figured I would.
It’s a simple piece that snaps into place and gives the phone a clean, functional look without going through the whole repair nightmare.
If you ever break your back glass and don’t want to deal with the hassle, this is a perfect DIY fix. You can print it, pop it on, and your phone is good to go.
Making It Functional
The coolest thing about this 3D printed back is how flexible it is. You don’t have to stop at a plain replacement. You can print your own design, add texture, or even create an entirely new look.
Of course, I didn’t want this to be just a fun mod. I wanted it to be something I’d actually use. If I was going to replace the entire back of the phone, it had to serve a purpose beyond looking cool. I wanted it to make my iPhone more practical, something that could actually make everyday use a little easier.
If you want to take it a step further, you can make a LEGO version of the back. That’s right, I turned mine into a LEGO iPhone 17 Pro just for fun.
With a few custom attachments like a mini AirPods case holder and an SD card slot, it turned into a playful but surprisingly useful upgrade. Both accessories lock in securely, and you can swap them out whenever you want. It’s basically a modular iPhone, except it’s made out of Lego.
The Fun Part
The best thing about this mod is how versatile it is. Everything clicks together like a toy, yet it’s all built onto a real iPhone 17 Pro. If you want to try this yourself, you can check it out on Printables.com and grab the files here:
Just don’t blame me if your iPhone turns into a Lego spaceship.
Final Thoughts
This 3D printed backglass replacement might be the easiest iPhone fix I’ve ever done, and it works better than I expected.
It’s functional, customizable, and best of all, it doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars. Whether you’re replacing a shattered back or building a LEGO masterpiece, it’s a mod anyone can try.
Now if only Apple made an official "Build Your Own iPhone" kit, we’d really be in business.
See you in the next article!
