iPhone 4/4S Backs
How does it work?
The back panel of iPhone consists of a plastic bezel frame with a glass inlay. We take a new bezel frame and attach a solid piece of hardwood. Unlike stick-on veneers, the relatively delicate glass is removed from your iPhone and kept safe, and the overall thickness remains, so your iPhone remains compatible with most bumpers and cases.
The wood panel of our iPhone backs have integrated lens covers just like your original iPhone back. The flash is covered by a non-diffusing cover to protect it and prevent debris from getting inside your iPhone. We have tested the non-diffusing flash cover and compared it to the original back, and found no recognizable difference in performance. Take a look at the results of these tests (1) (2).
iPhone 4 And 4S Models
Before placing an order, verify which iPhone model you have to ensure compatibility. The three options are iPhone 4 GSM, iPhone 4 CDMA and iPhone 4S (any carrier).
In order to determine which iPhone 4 model you have, look for the model number below "iPhone" on the original glass back. The two possibilities are A1332 (GSM) or A1349 (CDMA). In the US, the GSM model is used on the AT&T network and the CDMA model is used on the Verizon network.
Installation & Removal
Apple designed the original glass panels of the iPhone 4/4S to be easily removed for service. The installation process takes just a few minutes and all required tools are included in each Monolith kit. View our installation video and tips on our installation page.
When you are ready to replace your wood back with your original glass back, it is just as simple with no damage to your iPhone.
Apple Warranty
The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S warranties indicate that any damage to the iPhone due to unauthorized service or use outside the stated guidelines is not covered. We feel confident that this is not an issue due to the simplicity of the installation process. Regardless, we cannot guarantee that Apple will warranty your iPhone if you bring it in for an unrelated issue and you have a Monolith iPhone back installed. The packaging that your Monolith iPhone back came in should be used to store your original glass iPhone back so that you can reinstall it before you request warranty service from Apple.
iPhone 5 Skins
How Does It Work?
When Apple unveiled the new iPhone 5 design, it became clear that there was no removable back panel as there previously was. Although we feel it's definitely a superior design, it also means a back replacement in the same style as the iPhone 4/4S is impossible. Unlike our iPhone 4/4S wood back panels, the iPhone 5 wood skins are adhesive backed and applied directly to the back of your iPhone 5.
Our wood skins add less than a millimeter to the thickness of your iPhone, approximately the thickness of a healthy fingernail.
Installation & Removal
Installation of our iPhone 5 wood skins are as simple as peeling the adhesive backing off and applying to a clean, dry iPhone. One of the annoyances we've always had with skins and screen protectors is the difficulty in applying them to the device straight and centered. Our solution for this is laser cut packaging that helps you align the placement of your skin. View our installation video and tips on our installation page.
We use a 3M double sided adhesive tape which is strong enough to hold the skin down while it wants to naturally warp and peel off. This adhesive is semi-permanent, meaning that it should stay adhered to your iPhone indefinitely under normal conditions. Once you are ready to remove the skin, you simply peel it off. There is typically no residue left behind, however if there is, it is easily wiped off with rubbing alcohol.
General Terms And Policies
Payment & Tax
We accept all major credit cards as well as PayPal payments through our secure checkout. Sales tax (8.25%) is collected for all orders shipped within Texas.
Any and all import taxes on international orders are the sole responsibility of the customer. If you are unsure of what taxes or courier fees will be due to you, check with your local postal and/or customs services before placing an order.
Shipping
All orders are currently shipped via USPS, either First-Class Parcel or Priority. First-Class shipping rates are only available in select countries. The exact shipping rate to your shipping address is calculated during checkout prior to placing your order.
Shipping times are listed on each individual product. Currently, for iPhone 4/4S backs, the shipping time is 1-2 weeks as they are a made to order item. iPhone 5 skins are stocked and shipped within 2-4 business days. Once your order ships, please be aware of the transit times for your location. Domestic orders within the US take 2-3 business days, and international orders take 6-10 business days (Priority). Delivery times for international orders and any order shipped via First-Class mail may be longer than these approximations depending on the destination.
Once your order ships, you'll receive a shipping confirmation email with a USPS tracking number (Priority shipments only). International orders receive a tracking number, however this tracking number does not update once the package leaves the US.
Returns & Warranty
We stand by our handcrafted quality and inspect each item prior to shipping. However, if you receive an item with a defect or are unsatisfied for any reason, return it within 30 days for a full refund. If you have an issue due to defects of materials or craftsmanship within 180 days, we'll cover return shipping and send you a replacement once we receive the defective item.
Due to the nature of our iPhone 5 skins, we cannot accept a return of a used item, or cover against installation error. Although our iPhone 5 packaging aids in accurate placement, if you are overly concerned with the placement being exact, you should manually install the skin.
Custom Engraving
Although we have offered custom engraving for the iPhone 4/4S backs in the past, we are no longer offering this service so we can better serve every customer. We have plans for offering limited editions and stock engravings in the near future. If you have a suggestion for a particular design or artist we should consider, let us know!
