Swiss robotics engineer Ken Pillonel simply developed a business answer for iPhone customers with Lightning connectors who need totally purposeful USB-C connectivity with out upgrading their gadgets. The brand new case offers Lightning iPhones a USB-C port.
Identified for his viral 2021 challenge that added USB-C to an iPhone X by means of {hardware} modification, Pillonel has now created a snap-on case that brings the fashionable port to any Lightning-equipped iPhone. You may watch his video beneath.
New case offers Lightning iPhones a USB-C port
The accent, bought beneath the model “Obsoless,” represents one other Pillonel response to deliberate obsolescence, very like his USB-C-modded iPhone X and AirPods charging case. However the brand new iPhone case is a business product providing customers a approach to prolong the helpful lifetime of their gadgets with out requiring a full improve. It consists of a two-part case that clamps round appropriate iPhones and connects on to the Lightning port by means of a exactly aligned connector.
And in contrast to typical adapters that generally fail beneath load, this case features a customized circuit board that permits full USB-C performance together with 9V quick charging, knowledge switch and Apple CarPlay assist, Pillonel stated.
Pillonel designed a customized latching mechanism impressed by pen clickers and belt buckles, that includes a rotating joint and tactile latch that secures the case with out requiring instruments. The engineering problem concerned guaranteeing the USB-C port may deal with the ability necessities and knowledge speeds that customers anticipate from the fashionable connector.
Watch Pillonel’s in-depth video concerning the challenge
Compatibility and options
The case helps 20 completely different iPhone fashions with Lightning ports, spanning from the iPhone SE by means of the iPhone 14 line. This contains the iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 collection, in addition to the iPhone XS fashions. The case maintains MagSafe compatibility and helps wi-fi charging, making it a complete answer for customers who wish to modernize their gadgets.
Nevertheless, there are some limitations. Equipment that draw energy from the iPhone, comparable to wired audio gadgets, exterior storage or shows, received’t work with the case. That’s resulting from energy supply constraints.
Addressing the Lightning-to-USB-C transition
Apple transitioned the iPhone to USB-C with the iCellphone 15 collection in 2023. However tens of millions of customers nonetheless depend on Lightning-equipped gadgets. Whereas Apple continues to assist older iPhones with software program updates — iOS 26 helps gadgets again to 2019 — the port distinction can create inconvenience as different gadgets have standardized on USB-C.
The case is priced between $50-60. The primary run is bought out, ban one other is due in August. Further colours are available in September. You will get e mail notifications by means of the Obsoless web site for updates on availability.
This answer supplies an attention-grabbing center floor for customers who need USB-C comfort however aren’t able to improve to a more moderen iPhone mannequin. The brand new case makes for one much less motive to take action.
Purchase from: Obsoless
