Student Mods an iPhone X to Add a Functional USB-C Port

[MacRumors]

Apple seems to have no plans to replace the iPhone's Lightning port with a USB-C port to bring it in line with Macs and iPads, but robotics student Ken Pillonel spent months hacking an iPhone to add a USB-C port.

In early October, Pillonel shared a video demonstrating the "world's first iPhone with a USB Type-C port," and now he's shared a second video explaining how he pulled it off.

Pillonel explains how he built a proof of concept and the steps that he went through to design a functional USB-C port that actually fit inside the iPhone. It's a technical video, but it does walk through all the steps for those who are interested and for those who might want to attempt their own modification.

The modded iPhone X with a USB-C port is being auctioned off on eBay, with Pillonel guaranteeing a functional phone on arrival. Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone. So far, the bidding has exceeded $800.

Article Link: Student Mods an iPhone X to Add a Functional USB-C Port

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

If this brilliant student can do it… why can’t you Apple?

 

[Apple$]

I would line up and buy it! USB-C is better, IMO.

 

[nwcs]

If this brilliant student can do it… why can’t you Apple?

They haven't said they can't. They said they don't think it's the right option. Of course, they'll probably do it eventually.

 

[Havalo]

What a talented chap, let’s hope Apple’s hungry lawyers don’t go after him…

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

They haven't said they can't. They said they don't think it's the right option. Of course, they'll probably do it eventually.

Whatever happened to portless iPhone. Maybe that will make a come back?

 

[reyesmac]

In other news, Apple sues college student for doing the same kind of tinkering Apple cofounders did long long ago.

 

[kildraik]

I'd appreciate a proper connection with higher throughput for transferring ProRes videos.

The argument for the need of proprietary tech such as Lightning regarding "unavailable space," has folded.

Let's go, Thunderbolt.

 

[Agent OrangeZ]

"Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone. So far, the bidding has exceeded $800."

So... I can buy something from you, take ownership of it... but I can't do what I want with it? The seems almost the same as buying a standard iPhone from Apple. ?

 

[jz0309]

good for him, but we know that Apple CAN do this (eg iPad) but they don't WANT to ...

 

[citysnaps]

If this brilliant student can do it… why can’t you Apple?

Are you really saying Apple doesn't have the knowhow and technical expertise?

Did it ever occur to you that Apple doesn't want to right now?

 

[standing]

They haven't said they can't. They said they don't think it's the right option. Of course, they'll probably do it eventually.

C'mon they didn't question Apple's capabilities...
It's an "open secret" why Apple prefers to stick a bit longer to its proprietary port on "some devices". wink wink

 

[Blackstick]

Hey look at that, he's a year ahead of Apple!

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Are you really saying Apple doesn't have the knowhow and technical expertise?

Did it ever occur to you that Apple doesn't want to right now?

Well, alot of people are waiting for it and they would appreciate it if Apple implements it. They got it on iPad why not the iPhones?

 

[boss.king]

What are the chances Apple sends this guy a Lawsuit Pro Max as a reward for his efforts?

 

[OliOliOliOli]

If this brilliant student can do it… why can’t you Apple?

Money money la la la la laaaaa

 

[standing]

Good for Mr. Ken Pillonel.
Glad he didn't brick his phone.

 

[DougiePhresh]

"Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone. So far, the bidding has exceeded $800."

So... I can buy something from you, take ownership of it... but I can't do what I want with it? The seems almost the same as buying a standard iPhone from Apple. ?

Right?!? This kid has “future Apple Exec” written all over him ??

 

[a104375]

"Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone. So far, the bidding has exceeded $800."

So... I can buy something from you, take ownership of it... but I can't do what I want with it? The seems almost the same as buying a standard iPhone from Apple. ?

I'm sure you could, but one of those "don't come crying to me that the port doesn't work after you updated it" situations. My guess it uses some sort of either hacked firmware or it's just jailbroken.

 

[TheLisnakFactor]

This is his way of impressing Apple !

 

[cesarbm]

What a waist of time and university resources...

 

[standing]

@citysnaps Well.. Aren't you just a good apple soldier putting people down to feel better..

Never a good look.

 

[gsurf123]

Complete waste of time doing something that we know can be done. As for being a future Apple Exec that is surely a joke.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

"Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone. So far, the bidding has exceeded $800."

So... I can buy something from you, take ownership of it... but I can't do what I want with it? The seems almost the same as buying a standard iPhone from Apple. ?

I think that's so he's not on the line if something happens to it. Any sort of USB-C solution is bound to be janky as F.

 

[rp100]

Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone

Funny man.