The engineer who beat Apple by creating the first USB-C iPhone has now evolved his work into a phone case that switches the Lightning port on older iPhones to USB-C. Ken Pillonel’s latest project aims to fight planned obsolescence by giving people one less reason to replace their old iPhones, and builds on his viral mod from 2021 by improving support for fast charging.
“This time, I’m turning that one-off DIY mod into a real product you can own,” Pillonel said in the description of his latest YouTube video. “This isn’t just a hack anymore; it’s the biggest project I’ve ever done.”
The iPhone case is available for “most models” starting today via obsoless.com, with pricing set between $45-$55. Features include support for MagSafe charging, data transfers to computers, CarPlay, and 9V fast charging. In Pillonel’s previous 2021 USB-C hack, fast charging was only activated if the cable was facing the right way, but now fast charging is supported no matter how it’s plugged in. Other features available to Lightning and USB-C may not be supported, however.
“I guarantee the following: Fast charging, data transfers to computers, and CarPlay. Anything else is not officially supported and you’ll need to remove the case to use it, sadly,” Pillonel told The Verge. “This is because Apple has locked down the adapters for Lightning phones, so that they can earn a commission on all adapters sold.”
The phone case also includes an extra SIM card storage slot that’s convenient for travelling overseas, and a lanyard attachment. It’s available in dark gray at launch, and Pillonel says that more color options will be available in September.
Pillonel has previously modified other Lightning-based products to have USB-C ports, including AirPods and AirPods Max. Like the commercially available cases for AirPods that Pillonel launched in October last year, the iPhone cases are designed to prevent users from having to carry around an extra cable or USB-C adapter.
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