Engineer Brings Lightning Port to iPhone 17 Pro

[MacRumors]

The Swiss robotics engineer behind a commercial case that adds USB-C to Lightning iPhones has now built a reverse version: A case that adds a fully functional Lightning port to the iPhone 17 Pro.

Ken Pillonel describes the project as a tongue-in-cheek response to reader requests, and says he has no plans to sell it. "It's part hack, part mod, and one of the most cursed things I've ever built," he wrote in the video description, "Be careful what you wish for."

The build involved designing custom PCBs for precise connector placement, 3D printing a flexible TPU case on a Formlabs SLS printer, and fabricating a magnet installation jig on a Prusa printer. The finished case is slim and flexible, with MagSafe alignment and a snap-fit assembly.

Pillonel set himself a deadline of April Fools' Day to complete the prototype. The project builds on his long history of connector-swapping work, which includes adding USB-C to an iPhone X in 2021 and a USB-C conversion kit for AirPods Max in 2024.

Article Link: Engineer Brings Lightning Port to iPhone 17 Pro

 

[winxmac]

Apple may never go back to a Lightning connector but the 2027 iPhone will definitely bring back the rounded sides from 2014 to 2019 [and 2020 and 2022]

 

[leemkule]

Why would anyone want to bring back that piece of **** cable?

 

[maszaikasza]

But why?

 

[darkcompass]

It's the first of April, what do you expect?

 

[nickelro]

Did he also fix the hissing noise (coil whine) while charging?

 

[SanderEvers]

But why?

Why not? Also it's April 1st 😉

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Well… this should please the crowd who thought USB-C was anti-consumer 😉

 

[UrfinJuice]

Next step: 480 × 320 display and 2 MP camera! 😃👍

 

[Lukomaldini]

Next project: Scart on a MacBook Pro

 

[addamas]

Add Jack 😀

 

[segfaultdotorg]

This is the change we need in this world! Now bring it to iPads!

 

[UrfinJuice]

Add Jack 😀

and replaceable battery

 

[cicalinarrot]

Hard pass. For me it's FireWire 400 or nothing.

 

[klasma]

Still a happy user of the Lightning port here.

 

[kotaKat]

Finally, a good f*cking connector brought back. Vestager was an idiot to force Apple to migrate off the well-established-already-in-the-market-for-several-years-connector-ecosystem for no reason.

 

[Dark_Omen]

Still a happy user of the Lightning port here.

There’s no reason to be happy with the lightning port. None. Insane comment.

 

[Saturn1217]

Lol. I am not ready for April 1st...

 

[MrRom92]

As someone who got a 15 pro max two days ago I am ecstatic to finally be rid of lightning in my life

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Haha, God no!! I almost left the iPhone because of that port! 😱

Last holdout is my work phone (SE 2022), but it should be replaced with a 17e in a few months.

 

[teleromeo]

No FM-transmitter to connect to my car stereo ?

 

[Spock]

Why would anyone want to bring back that piece of **** cable?

When the lightning connector came out, it was fantastic compared to other USB options. The USB C port just caught up and eventually passed it.

 

[ChrisMac47]

But why?

Fun? Remember that?

 

[tridley68]

What is the reason for going backwards

 

[uacd]

Why would anyone want to bring back that piece of **** cable?

Cables were bad, connector itself - good. It was easier to clean and much more sturdy than USB-C that must be used with special care