Adam Kos Anyone who has ever owned a transparent, i.e. see-through, cover for their phone can certainly confirm that it has turned yellow over time. Transparent covers have the advantage that they affect the original design of the device as little as possible, but after time they become extremely unsightly.
But what causes this phenomenon? Why don't the covers keep their transparency and become downright repulsive over time? Two factors are responsible for this. The first is its exposure to UV rays, the second is the effect of your sweat. So, if you were to reach for the phone in the case only with gloves and in a dark room, the cover would remain as it was when you bought it.
The most common types of clear phone cases are made of silicone because it is flexible, cheap and durable. In general, clear silicone phone cases aren't actually clear at all. Instead, they are already yellow from the factory, the manufacturers just add a bluish tint to them, which simply causes us not to see the yellow with our eyes. But with the passage of time and environmental influences, the material degrades and reveals its original color, i.e. yellow. This happens with most covers, but it is logically the most visible with the transparent one.
UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the Sun. When the cover is exposed to it, the molecules in it slowly break down. So the more you are exposed to it, the more vigorous this aging is. Acidic human sweat doesn't add much to the cover either. However, it has such an effect on leather covers that they seem to age and acquire their patina. If you want your case to last as long as possible, clean it regularly - ideally with a solution of dishwashing detergent and warm water (this does not apply to leather and other covers). You can restore a bit of its original appearance to a yellowed cover by using baking soda.
It could be interest you
Jiří Filip Possible alternatives
If you are tired of dealing with unsightly yellowing cases, just go for one that is not transparent. Another option is to choose a phone case made of tempered glass. These types of cases are designed to resist scratches, cracks and discoloration. They are also easy to keep clean and look great for a long time. They are offered, for example, by PanzerGlass.
PanzerGlas on iPhone 14 Pro Max
But if you decide to stick with a traditional clear phone case, be sure to consider their environmental impact. While there are ways to reduce the likelihood of yellowing, it is ultimately unavoidable. As a result, clear plastic phone cases end up in landfills far more often than other types of cases.
You can buy PanzerGlass HardCase for iPhone 14 Pro Max here, for example
Hello, the iPhone cover you are showing has tempered glass only on the back. The sides are (if I'm not mistaken) made of silicone. So, logically, they should turn yellow after a while, right?
Yes, I had several such covers... back super (plastic) sides (silicone) for approx. 3 months like a dandelion 😅
And then it looks like from a dump.