The Swiss engineer Ken Pillonel, who made the first USB-C iPhone in 2021, is back with a fresh take on the same concept. This time, he has created a line of smartphone cases that add a USB-C port to older iPhones without the need for soldering or surgery, as opposed to altering the internal parts of Apple devices.
Pillonel has long supported universal, approachable charging standards. For over ten years, iPhones have featured Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, which has frequently come under fire for requiring special cables and adapters. Since USB-C is now the industry standard and is present on the newest iPhone models, Pillonel’s new cases provide a creative way to update older phones without having to buy new ones.
In a recently released video, Pillonel explains, “The goal is to give some extra life to those older devices by making them feel less obsolete.” All 20 Lightning-era iPhone models that are compatible with modern iOS versions can use the cases, which enable full data transfer, fast charging, and yes, even CarPlay.
A Lightning-to-USB-C conversion module is integrated into a thin, fashionable case by Pillonel’s design. In addition to being practical, the idea maintains the phone’s design. Additionally, additional colour choices will be made available starting in September for customers who wish to customise their equipment.
Anyone interested in engineering, product design, or do-it-yourself tech innovation will find the engineer’s video, which takes viewers through the entire development process, to be both interesting and educational. It demonstrates the difficulties of operating within the constrained parameters of consumer electronics as well as the beauty of a solution that maintains usability.
The entire line of cases is available in Pillonel’s online store, and you can also check out his earlier creations, such as the modified AirPods Max and USB-C AirPods. This innovation is a useful and progressive transition to the USB-C era for tech-savvy users who aren’t ready to part with their older iPhones.