As it turns out, the transparent device isn’t a high-tech prototype at all. It’s something called a “Methaphone” — a cleverly named clear acrylic slab designed to mimic the shape and feel of a smartphone.
Yup. It’s not functional. It doesn’t light up. There’s no screen. No battery. No tech. It’s just a chunk of plastic.
And yet, people can’t stop watching.
So What Is the Methaphone?
The Methaphone (yes, with an extra “h” for “meta”) was created by a friend of the TikTok poster as an artistic response to smartphone addiction. Think of it as the anti-phone.
It’s meant to:
- Mimic the tactile feeling of holding a phone
- Let users go through the motions of using a phone without actually engaging with a screen
- Serve as a digital detox tool
- Spark conversation around mindfulness and technology use
In other words, it’s less about tech and more about psychology.
It’s kind of genius, right?
Why Did This Go Viral?
There’s something oddly hypnotic about seeing someone use a completely clear device as if it’s totally normal. It throws your brain off for a second.
Plus, the viral formula was all there:
- Visual curiosity: It looks futuristic and bizarre at first glance.
- No context: The lack of explanation made people dig deeper.
- Relatable location: It happened in a bubble tea shop—real, everyday life.
- Massive intrigue: We’re all wondering if it’s real, AI, or a secret gadget.
Combine that with the power of TikTok’s algorithm, and boom—50 million views later, it’s a full-on internet moment.
But Wait… Are Transparent Phones a Real Thing?
Sort of. Over the years, companies like LG, Samsung, and Xiaomi have teased transparent display prototypes. Even Sony and Lenovo have dabbled in the concept.
There have been:
- Transparent OLED TVs
- See-through smartphone mockups
- Patent leaks of transparent tech
But no company has launched a fully functional transparent smartphone yet. It’s super difficult to pull off due to things like:
- Battery placement
- Processor visibility
- Durability and strength
- Visibility in daylight
So while we might get there eventually, the tech just isn’t consumer-ready — yet.
What People Are Really Responding To
Here’s the deeper layer. This isn’t just about a see-through phone. The Methaphone’s viral success says a lot about how we relate to technology right now.
People are:
- Burnt out from screens
- Looking for ways to unplug without feeling anxious
- Realizing how much time they spend mindlessly scrolling
- Seeking mindful tech habits
And that’s what this transparent “non-phone” taps into. It doesn’t do anything, and that’s exactly the point. It challenges you to examine your habits. Why do we check our phones 96 times a day? What are we looking for?
It’s like holding a mirror (or in this case, a transparent slab) up to our behavior.
The Creator’s Intent: An Artistic Social Statement
According to PetaPixel, the creator wanted the Methaphone to be a metaphor for our relationship with digital devices. It’s supposed to feel like a phone but be totally useless — which ironically, highlights just how addictive the habit of checking our phones has become.
Some call it “performance art.” Others call it “a brilliant prank.” Either way, it’s working.
And now, people are asking where they can get one. Not because they think it’s real, but because they want to try using a non-functional phone to break the cycle of compulsive tech use.
A Sign of the Times
Whether you’re into tech, minimalism, or just like weird TikTok videos, the transparent phone trend is fascinating because it reflects something we’re all feeling.
We’re overwhelmed. We want balance. And we’re curious about what it looks like to rethink our relationship with technology.
The Methaphone may not be a real phone, but it’s sparking real conversations. That’s more impactful than any prototype.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next?
So what’s the takeaway here?
- No, the woman wasn’t holding a futuristic phone from 2030.
- Yes, the device was 100% real — just not in the way we expected.
- And yes, this viral moment speaks volumes about where we are with our tech habits in 2025.
Whether the Methaphone ends up being a quirky art piece or the start of a broader digital mindfulness movement, one thing’s clear: sometimes the most powerful ideas are the simplest