07.23.2025
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 creating 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.
This article, "New Case Brings USB-C Port to Lightning iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
You may also be interested in this
Apple Still Sells These D…
05.15.2024
Apple discontinued the ninth-generation iPad with a Lightning port last week, meaning that its entire iPad lineup now uses USB-C. However, the company still sells a handful of devices and
How to remove an iOS beta…
06.23.2023
Macworld The beta of iOS 17 has arrived and beta testers have raced to install it on their iPhones. Testing the beta of iOS 17 does give you a glimpse
iPadOS 17: Everything you…
06.05.2023
Macworld Apple has announced what’s coming in iPadOS 17. Widgets – Widgets will make the home screen much more powerful. Customised Lock Screen – Personalise the iPad lock screen. Tap
How to use StandBy with i…
06.07.2023
StandBy may be Apple's first attempt at a true smart display. With tons of features packed in, we walk you through this new way to turn your iPhone into a
The Best Memorial Day Dea…
05.26.2023
Earlier today we shared the best Apple-related tech accessory deals happening this Memorial Day weekend, and now we're focusing on the best deals you can find today for Apple products.
Best Prime Day Apple Deal…
06.21.2023
Macworld Amazon’s annual Prime Day sale in July is an excellent opportunity to save money on Apple devices. For two days every year, you’ll find tons of deals including savings
Apple Arcade FAQ: 20 new …
05.04.2023
Macworld Gaming subscription services are all the rage now, but Apple Arcade isn’t quite like Google Stadia or Xbox Game Pass. So if you’ve got questions about it, we’ve got
Apple’s Touch Bar resurre…
12.03.2024
The new Flexbar touch bar device gaining traction on Kickstarter could go well beyond Apple's discontinued MacBook Pro feature. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)
