When you buy a phone, you usually get a case for protection or personalization. But Printables user Retron Print has come up with a new reason: nostalgia. The iPhone Retro Case transforms your modern smartphone into a piece of old-school tech. The two-part case turns your phone into a vintage CRT monitor, while still keeping the camera and dynamic island functional. To match the retro design, the phone also features a custom home screen with old-style icons and widgets. Instead of a Macintosh look, it’s themed around Windows, complete with a non-functional Clippy icon. Quite a step down from Siri!
The brilliance of this case lies in how it embraces its retro design without cutting corners. Old monitors often had thick, chunky bezels, and this case captures that look. While vintage monitors had a “chin” for floppy disks or control buttons, this case cleverly moves that feature to the side. It even includes functional front-facing buttons that control your iPhone’s volume and action buttons. The details are pre-designed, so all you need to do is 3D print and assemble it.
The front of the case has an oval frame that mimics old CRT monitors but doesn’t block the screen, adding to its vintage feel. The back features long grooves that resemble classic desktop computers while also improving grip. These design details blend nostalgia with modern functionality, making the case both stylish and practical. It even includes slots for the speakers, so you can still enjoy audio from your iPhone without any issues.
For color options, Retron Print recommends using sandy beige, gray, or light brown filaments to capture the retro vibe, similar to classic electronics. To enhance the look, the front and back panels should be printed on a textured plate for added dimension, while the buttons are best printed on a smooth plate to preserve their tactile feel. This attention to detail elevates the nostalgic design.
For those wanting to add a retro touch to their iPhone, the case is available for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. You can purchase the STL files for $10 on Printables.com and 3D print the case yourself, though it doesn’t include the wallpaper or app icons. Retron Print suggests using sandy beige, gray, or light brown filament to capture the retro feel, inspired by classic electronics.
However, commercial use is restricted. To sell prints of this design, users must join the Retron Print Commercial Club, ensuring the creator, AndrzejG, receives credit and support for their work.
