The engineer who beat Apple by creating the primary USB-C iPhone has now developed his work right into a cellphone case that switches the Lightning port on older iPhones to USB-C. Ken Pillonel’s newest undertaking goals to battle deliberate obsolescence by giving individuals one much less cause to switch their previous iPhones, and builds on his viral mod from 2021 by enhancing assist for quick charging.
“This time, I’m turning that one-off DIY mod into an actual product you’ll be able to personal,” Pillonel said within the description of his newest YouTube video. “This isn’t only a hack anymore; it’s the most important undertaking I’ve ever achieved.”
The iPhone case is obtainable for “most fashions” beginning in the present day by way of obsoless.com, with pricing set between $45-$55. Options embrace assist for MagSafe charging, information transfers to computer systems, CarPlay, and 9V quick charging. In Pillonel’s earlier 2021 USB-C hack, quick charging was solely activated if the cable was going through the best manner, however now quick charging is supported irrespective of the way it’s plugged in. Different options accessible to Lightning and USB-C might not be supported, nevertheless.
“I assure the next: Quick charging, information transfers to computer systems, and CarPlay. Anything shouldn’t be formally supported and also you’ll must take away the case to make use of it, sadly,” Pillonel instructed The Verge. “It is because Apple has locked down the adapters for Lightning telephones, in order that they’ll earn a fee on all adapters offered.”
The cellphone case additionally contains an additional SIM card storage slot that’s handy for travelling abroad, and a lanyard attachment. It’s accessible in darkish grey at launch, and Pillonel says that extra shade choices can be accessible in September.
Pillonel has beforehand modified different Lightning-based merchandise to have USB-C ports, together with AirPods and AirPods Max. Just like the commercially available cases for AirPods that Pillonel launched in October final yr, the iPhone circumstances are designed to forestall customers from having to hold round an additional cable or USB-C adapter.