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Deconstructed iPhone by GRID Studio: Best Gift for Apple Fan!

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Grid Studio keeps old iPhones from going in the trash by turning them into hand-crafted art that shows the insides of some of the world’s most influential technology. Each component is displayed and labeled, in a layout that’s different for each iPhone model, wrapped in a polished and varnished wooden frame. Grid Studio sent this to me, so thanks to them, and if you get one, it arrives gift wrapped, ready to give or to enjoy opening yourself.

The unboxing

There’s a lot of detail in the packaging: inside the envelope is a little pop-up book timeline of iPhone releases up to the iPhone SE 2, and two interesting hooks for hanging it. Under the wax seal and ribbon is the frame itself, with a surprisingly good-condition original iPhone 2G.

Why they do it

When Grid Studio reached out, I wondered why and how they make these. I was told the creator is a staunch environmentalist who wants to keep e-waste out of landfills, and the company wants to keep a focus on sustainability. Grid sources old items that no longer function, disassembles them, ultrasonically cleans each part, and hand-glues them to the backing. The ultrasonic cleaning really seems to work: this one looks in way better shape than the iPhone I have here. They’re used devices, so expect some cosmetic issues. The process takes about a week per frame.

As an owner of an original iPhone in 2007, I feel some nostalgia looking at it. The frame shows each component: the back case, the front glass and home button, the 2-megapixel camera (photos only), the logic board with a 412 MHz Samsung processor, and all the little pieces.

Other models and options

Grid Studio has frames from the original iPhone all the way to the iPhone X, plus the original Galaxy S or Pixel, Nintendo Game Boys and other devices; they change things up as devices are available. I asked if you could send in your own iPhone, or buy a DIY kit, but because of customs and other issues there’s no way to ship items to them, and right now there are no DIY kits. I hope they look into both.

I wanted one of each of the first three body styles of iPhone, because I think they were the most iconic and changed mobile computing: the original brought multi-touch and a usable mobile app experience, the 3GS a much faster processor and wireless network, and the iPhone 4 a modern design, Apple’s A4 processor, FaceTime and a much improved rear camera.

I’ve only had them a short time, but I think they’re modern, clean and just plain cool. I like them so much that I’ve already bought the iPhone 5 version for my wall. There’s a referral link in the description which may help my channel. Would you like one on your wall, and what’s your favorite model?

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission. See my ethics statement.

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