In the intricate world of macro photography, where the minute becomes monumental, a unique technique is revealing details of our everyday tech that were once invisible to the naked eye. The artist and photographer behind the popular YouTube channel Macrolab3D has done it again, this time turning his innovative "wiggle stereoscope" camera technique onto one of the most anticipated devices of the year: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro.
The latest video isn't just a typical teardown or review; it's a mesmerizing journey into the microscopic landscape of the smartphone, offering a perspective that challenges our perception of these sleek, flat devices.
The Wiggle Technique: A Portal into Spatial Depth
For the uninitiated, the "wiggle stereoscope" involves rapidly wiggling or shifting the camera position between two slightly different angles while capturing a video. This creates a compelling pseudo-3D effect, allowing our brains to perceive depth and spatial relationships in a way a standard, static photo never could.
In his latest exploration, Macrolab3D applies this method with stunning precision to the iPhone 17 Pro's most critical component: its advanced camera system. What he reveals is a hidden world of manufacturing minutiae.
A Dusty Discovery Inside the Camera Optics
One of the most striking findings is the presence of fine dust particles within the complex optics of the new iPhone's camera. Thanks to the wiggle technique, Macrolab3D can expertly differentiate between dust that is deeply embedded within the lens assembly during manufacturing and superficial dust that settled after unboxing.
This is a crucial distinction. With a regular photo, determining the spatial position of such tiny specks inside the layered optics would be nearly impossible. The technique provides a clear, tangible sense of depth, showing exactly where each particle resides. While the creator notes that this level of dust likely has a negligible impact on image quality—especially compared to fingerprints or oily smudges on the outer lens—it raises fascinating questions about quality control in the high-stakes, high-volume world of smartphone manufacturing.
Peeling Back the Layers of the Display
The revelations don't stop at the camera. Macrolab3D also trains his wiggling lens on the iPhone 17 Pro's cutting-edge display, revealing that it is far from the perfectly flat surface it appears to be.
The technique makes several of the display's internal layers partially visible. Viewers can clearly see the main pixel layer, and distinctly above it, a separate grid that is likely the touch-sensitive digitizer layer. This visual decomposition of a modern smartphone screen is a rare sight.
See the incredible depth and detail for yourself in the full video from Macrolab3D:
The investigation also highlights the physical structure of the display at its edges. Despite advancements in screen-to-body ratios, a noticeable amount of material is still lost toward the curved sides. This aligns with ongoing industry progress, such as the deep UV laser cutting technology recently showcased by Coherent at the SID-MEC conference in Germany, which promises to reduce this loss to less than a single pixel in future devices.
Beyond the Core Components: A Moment of Pristine Cleanliness
Macrolab3D’s meticulous examination extends to other parts of the iPhone 17 Pro, including its packaging, the USB-C port, and the speaker grilles. With his macro lens, he captures these components in a state of pristine, factory-fresh cleanliness—a state he wryly notes the speakers, in particular, will "probably never be that clean again."
The Voice Behind the Lens: A Creative Choice
One aspect of the video that has drawn commentary is the narrator's voice. The video uses a clear, polished AI-generated voiceover, a deliberate choice by the creator. In responses to comments on YouTube, Macrolab3D explained that he is a photographer by trade, not a professional speaker.
He revealed that he attempted to use his own voice six years ago but felt his accent was too noticeable, and the result didn't meet the high, broadcast-quality standards he envisions for his channel—aspiring to a narration style reminiscent of a BBC news anchor.
A Channel Dedicated to the Unseen
While this deep dive into the iPhone 17 Pro is a standout for tech enthusiasts, it's a slight departure from Macrolab3D's usual fare. The channel typically focuses on the stunning details of the natural world, such as the intricate anatomy of insects, or the complex textures of everyday objects like banknotes and materials.
The "wiggle stereoscope" technique transforms the mundane into the magnificent, proving that there is a hidden world of depth and detail all around us, waiting for the right perspective to be revealed. For anyone fascinated by technology, photography, or the unseen beauty of our world, the videos on Macrolab3D's channel are essential viewing.