Not many people know there are camera-less iPhones but you won't be able to get one unless you're willing to pay $1,500

Published on Feb 02, 2026 at 8:50 PM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe

Last updated on Feb 02, 2026 at 11:03 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews

The creation of camera-less iPhones is probably something that you’ve probably never heard of.

Traditionally coming with up to three camera lenses, iPhones are known to be able to create high-quality images on the move, but it turns out that there’s an option to get rid of the camera entirely.

The devices are modified by specialists to stop the use of the camera lenses altogether, and instead, are replaced with a smooth back.

However, the specialist equipment carries an eye-watering price, with customers paying more than $1,500 to get themselves a specialist handset.

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The iPhone: Here’s what you need to know

Arguably, Apple’s most well-known product has to be the iPhone.

First released in 2007, the very first generation is highly sought after, with some tech fans paying tens of thousands of dollars to find a rare, unopened device.

Now, 17 generations deep, Apple has all kinds of iPhones on offer, including the newest iPhone 17 model, the iPhone Air, and even the iPhone SE.

Equipped with retina display and state-of-the-art cameras, the phones are ideal for daily life, but it turns out that camera-less iPhones really do exist.

Surfacing on social media, the phones caused a frenzy, with models such as the iPhone SE having a plain back, with not a single lens in sight.

However, it turns out that not everybody may be able to bag one for themselves.

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The camera-less iPhones carry a huge price tag

You have to admit, a camera-less iPhone is a pretty rare sight, but one company, NonCam, makes them specifically for people who work in sensitive industries.

This includes those who work in oil and gas, the military, and even in laboratories.

On offer are iPhone SEs, alongside special conversion kits to turn the iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 5S, and iPhone SE into camera-less devices too.

As you’d expect, though, the iPhones that come ready-made with no camera aren’t exactly a cheap buy.

In fact, customers can expect to pay between $1,380 and $1,530 for a 2020 iPhone SE, or between $1,530 and $1,680 for a 2022 iPhone SE.

The price is substantial considering the price of brand-new iPhones is considerably lower.

But hey, as the saying goes, you learn something new every day.

Timeline of iPhones

2007: First-generation iPhone announced by Steve Jobs.

2008: iPhone 3G is launched with 3G connectivity and the App Store.

2010: iPhone debuts with Retina Display and new glass/steel design.

2011: Siri is introduced.

2013: Touch ID is introduced with the 5S.

2016: The headphone jack is removed with the 7 and 7 Plus.

2017: Face ID is introduced.

2020: iPhone 12 series introduces 5G.

2024: The 16 series introduces enhanced on-device AI features and camera controls

2025: iPhone 17 launches with Apple intelligence

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Beginning her career as a lifestyle reporter and social-media manager, Grace joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025. Since coming on board, she has thrown herself into the busy daily writing schedule. Her editorial sweet spots include writing about luxury properties and the quirky features inside them that the one percent are investing in, as well as groundbreaking advancements in space exploration.