now banana
The iPhone has sparked renewed chatter as a new yellow variant entered the conversation. Apple’s release strategy for this color has caused chatter among American gadget enthusiasts who are keen to see a yellow hue appear in the lineup.
At present, the yellow option is limited to the base iPhone 14 and the 14 Plus. The Pro models have not followed the color trend as they did in the previous year. Reports suggest Apple may not bring this yellow finish to the current-generation premium devices in the near term. Prices and hardware specifications remain aligned with the standard models, assuming official availability in the region.
In practice, obtaining a yellow iPhone 14 in Russia presents its own set of challenges. The device tends to carry a higher price tag, despite color being the sole differentiating factor. Delivery to Russia is not immediate and often depends on parallel import channels, adding another layer to the procurement process.
For instance, the cost of a 128 GB yellow iPhone 14 from Hong Kong, equipped with two physical SIM slots, starts around 75,000 rubles. This is roughly 10,000 to 15,000 rubles more than other color variants, reflecting regional market dynamics and import costs. The minimum price for the yellow flagship within pre-orders hovers around 69,000 rubles, underscoring the premium placed on this color choice. Before the current cycle, Apple has only used the yellow palette on three models: the iPhone 5c, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11.
Easy and safe
The simplest route to a yellow look is a color-matched sticker box designed in the same sunny shade. Accessory covers vary in material and quality, which influences tactile feel and durability. For those primarily aiming to alter the device’s color, a slim case that hugs the body tightly is ideal. Such cases resemble stickers in density and feel, offering a hands-on experience that remains close to the phone itself.
To keep the yellow appearance cohesive, it helps to choose cases with skins that protect the camera module and contour the device’s edges. Numerous brands, including those from the United States and China, offer designs with a foldable build that envelops the back, sides, and front edges. For a true yellow effect, shoppers often look for the Mellow Yellow line and the Back Skin option that provides full coverage.
Although these cases can nearly vanish against the device, assembling them into a perfect, seamless fit may require careful alignment and a bit of patience. Some packages include camera block padding with precise cutouts for each lens and a microfiber cloth to wipe the body during installation. In practice, many sellers even craft cutouts to resemble the Apple logo, creating an illusion of a genuine yellow iPhone beneath a slim shell. Prices for these protective caps begin at about 1,300 rubles, and sticker cases that fully cover the phone can be ordered through popular online marketplaces in Russia.
Difficult but comfortable
Repainting the case offers a way to completely transform the gadget’s look, making it indistinguishable from the original yellow iPhone. Today, such services are typically performed by enthusiasts at specialized centers rather than DIY hobbyists. Online marketplaces may also feature listings for repaint services, touting a flawless yellow finish identical to Apple’s color.
The repainting process preserves the case shell while altering only the color. This means the device can still be treated as the yellow Apple product, even when handed to someone else. Yet the method carries notable downsides: there is a real risk of damaging internal components if the process is not executed with care, and car-grade paints must be applied with precision to avoid spillage. As a result, many experts avoid DIY repainting on someone else’s device. Some hobbyists brag about successful at-home recolorings, claiming the key is to shield the screen and all openings to prevent paint intrusion. Service pricing for repainting ranges from roughly 3,000 rubles, including materials and labor, with Moscow and Saint Petersburg hosting the bulk of providers and other cities finding it harder to locate qualified technicians.
Practical and reliable
Replacing the entire shell with yellow remains a more robust option, albeit a bit more challenging, and it tends to be safer than repainting. This approach is widely offered by service centers, given that devices commonly suffer cosmetic damage from bumps and drops. A full shell swap is not feasible at home due to the high risk of compromising internal components and the need for proper tools. Consumers should seek a trusted marketplace and a skilled technician for the job.
Local repair people and service centers have noted that official yellow iPhone 14 shells are not readily available yet, and they could not confirm when a genuine replacement might ship. Given this uncertainty, many buyers turn to yellow cases purchased through marketplaces to achieve the color match they want. The current market price for a yellow shell or case hovers around 3.5 thousand rubles, and each kit typically includes the corresponding colored buttons so the device looks like the original banana iPhone. Lab technicians interviewed for this piece indicated that replacement can proceed when a donor case is sourced, requiring only a single spare part. Prices for shell replacement services start around 5 thousand rubles, and the process involves a full device disassembly and transfer of components to the new shell. This is not a do-it-yourself task, and consumers should be mindful of seller reputations and user feedback when selecting a provider. The main drawback is potential misalignment or imperfect finishing on the market, so careful shopping and trusted reviews are essential.