New Case Brings USB-C Port to Lightning iPhones

[MacRumors]

An independent engineer known for modifying Apple products today revealed a new accessory that adds a fully functional USB-C port to older iPhones with Lightning ports via a custom-designed case.

Ken Pillonel, the Swiss robotics engineer who gained attention in 2021 after adding a USB-C port to an iPhone X through hardware modification, has launched a commercial product that enables USB-C charging and data transfer on Lightning-based iPhones without requiring any internal modifications.

The accessory, sold under the brand "Obsoless," is a two-part snap-on case that integrates a custom circuit board and USB-C connector. The product is designed to provide full compatibility with 9V fast charging, data transfer, and Apple CarPlay.

The project is built on the foundations of his earlier work with AirPods USB-C cases. In a new video, Pillonel explains how he overcame many of the technical challenges involved in developing the case, such as ensuring compatibility with fast charging.

The case itself consists of two parts that clamp around the phone, connecting to the Lightning port through a precisely aligned connector embedded within the enclosure. Pillonel developed a custom latching mechanism inspired by pen clickers and belt buckles, which uses a rotating joint and tactile latch to keep the enclosure closed without requiring tools.

The accessory is also MagSafe compatible. 20 different iPhone models with Lightning ports are supported in total. More color variants of the case will be available starting in September, and users can sign up for email notifications via the Obsoless website for updates on availability.

Article Link: New Case Brings USB-C Port to Lightning iPhones

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Clickbait or he’ll release as a product?

 

[John_san]

Clickbait or he’ll release as a product?

If you check the website at the end of the article you can actually order it. So it’s released and not that expensive considering other cases that don’t do that.

 

[mentaluproar]

I wonder how well this work in practice. Like, if i throw a usbc hub with PD passthrough on it, could that possibly work like it would on a usbc-native iphone

 

[turbineseaplane]

Why not .. I'm in for one for my 13 Mini.

 

[Take Flight]

Good for him but sort of a silly and unnecessary product.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Good for him but sort of a silly and unnecessary product.

Agreed. Those of us with old iPhones are probably fine with the Lightning cables we collected over the years. He's mostly just using his engineering skills to create content, so that must pay more than engineering? [Or perhaps he's having more fun this way.]

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

If you check the website at the end of the article you can actually order it. So it’s released and not that expensive considering other cases that don’t do that.

Great prices too.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Why would you want to ruin perfection by adding a USB-C port?

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Good for him but sort of a silly and unnecessary product.

It’s an option for people to have. Couples can streamline to one charger, or let’s say it’s the only Lightning product someone has and they don’t want a whole new phone or they love their Mini.

 

[profcutter]

It’s actually a pretty cool idea. I’m intrigued. As long as it offers great protection for the phone, why not? My lightning cables are all wearing out anyway.

 

[turbineseaplane]

It’s actually a pretty cool idea. I’m intrigued. As long as it offers great protection for the phone, why not? My lightning cables are all wearing out anyway.

That was my thought also ... great protection, great MagSafe performance and fully usable wired connection ...

Worth a shot.

I'm starting to get more and more USB-C stuff in my life, but there is no sign of a newer Mini iPhone, so this is right up my alley.

 

[JapanApple]

OH, good grief! NO!
YouTube influencer report on this? NO TY

 

[UliBaer]

Interesting take, thereby even less expensive than an original Apple case! 👍

Why would you want to ruin perfection by adding a USB-C port?

..for seamlessly using the vast offers of USB-C accessories for example? 🤔

 

[CyberDavis]

Good for him but sort of a silly and unnecessary product.

It could allow people with multiple devices to reduce the number of chargers and/or cable tyupes they need. So maybe not totally unnecessary.
I think it is an interesting idea.

 

[BeerDrinkerDan]

If it was available for a 13 I'd buy it now. Alas, I've signed up to be notified. This thing is cool and unique and my Speck case, which I love and has been great over the many years of using them, needs replacing.

-bdd

 

[klasma]

He should offer the reverse too.

 

[CharlesShaw]

He should offer the reverse too.

That would get more views, which are the real product anyhow.

 

[jayducharme]

I'm tempted because right now my 13 mini is my only Apple device with Lightning. Carrying just one cable when I travel might be worth it.
[EDIT: They have a lanyard loop option; instant buy.]

 

[Curiousurick]

As a customer of this guy, he’s the real deal. He cares a lot about this stuff as you can tell from his videos. I have the adapters for AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2. They’ve been incredible so when he put out the blue case for the pros, I bought those too.

 

[amaze1499]

i’m almost certain the USB-C port will be gone in the near future version of the iPhone.

 

[JapanApple]

i’m almost certain the USB-C port will be gone in the near future version of the iPhone.

Port-less or somewhere there for.

 

[klasma]

I'm tempted because right now my 13 mini is my only Apple device with Lightning. Carrying just one cable when I travel might be worth it.

There are small adapters like these you can buy:

 

[TechRunner]

I would consider this for my work phone (iPhone 14) as compatibility with every other charger in my house/car would be nice. I'll ask if I can expense it.

 

[CharlesShaw]

or they love their Mini

And since the mini fits easily in a pocket, it's worth noting that it's much easier to remove pocket lint from a Lightning port than a USB-C port.