Apple is the first company that comes to mind when it comes to an ecosystem. The company has a wide range of products, including smartphones, headphones, and computers. Moreover, these products are constantly in communication with both hardware and software support, leading to the emergence of a seemingly perfect ecosystem. But is it really perfect? Not exactly…

Apple’s biggest problem is the divide between its use of USB-C and Lightning ports. Currently, MacBooks charge through USB-C, while AirPods and iPhones still use Lightning ports. This issue will eventually be resolved in the future, but for now it remains a problem in their current products. Fortunately, an engineer has taken the initiative to address this issue and has taken the first step towards finding a solution. Here are the details…

AirPods Pro get USB-C port in complex new mod

An engineer named Ken Pilonel, who previously made the world’s first USB-C iPhone by modifying an iPhone X, has succeeded again. Pilonel has successfully added a USB-C port to the first-generation AirPods Pro. The engineer recorded the entire process and uploaded it to YouTube. The process involved developing and printing a new circuit board with the USB-C connector and 3D printing a new AirPods case to accommodate the custom PCB.

The project involved plenty instances of trial and error, a whole new circuit board design and 3D printing. The necessary schematics are posted on GitHub so people with the right equipment can transform their AirPods with USB-C. Pilonel also plans to sell his self-developed PCB board for CHF 35 (€35/$38) and modified USB-C AirPods Pro for CHF 300 (€303/$326) from his personal website.

Still, it’s hard to predict how Apple will react to this. The company could take the case to court or simply ignore Pilonel as it already has to switch to USB-C by December 28, 2024.

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