Upgrade Your Apple AirPods to USB-C with These Ingenious Cases

If you're still using older Apple AirPods models with Lightning ports, there’s finally an easy and affordable way to upgrade them to USB-C without breaking the bank or having to purchase entirely new AirPods. Engineer Ken Pillonel has developed a smart and cost-effective solution in the form of protective cases that convert your AirPods’ charging port from Lightning to USB-C in a matter of seconds.

These cases, which fit seamlessly over your existing AirPods charging case, are made from durable, flexible 3D-printed plastic. In just about 10 seconds, users can upgrade their charging port to USB-C without having to disassemble or modify the original hardware. The cases come with a built-in USB-C port that passes power through to the existing Lightning port using some clever internal electronics. The best part? The case can be easily removed if you ever need direct access to the Lightning port.

A Simple and Affordable Solution

Pillonel’s USB-C Protection Cases are available for AirPods 1, 2, and 3, as well as for the original AirPods Pro and the Lightning version of AirPods Pro 2. The newly released AirPods 4 already come with USB-C, so these cases are mainly for older models that are still limited to Lightning charging.

Apple offers an official replacement USB-C case for AirPods Pro 2 for $99, but Pillonel’s solution is far more economical, with cases priced between $30 and $40, depending on the model. This makes it the cheapest and easiest way to modernize your AirPods without having to invest in a full hardware upgrade.

Key Features of Pillonel’s USB-C Protection Case:

• Durable and Flexible Design: Crafted from 3D-printed plastic, the case offers both protection and functionality.

• Quick Installation: The case can be installed in under 10 seconds without any modifications or technical expertise required.

• Universal Compatibility: Available for AirPods 1, 2, 3, and both the original and Pro 2 models with Lightning charging ports.

• Economical Upgrade: At just $30 to $40, this is a fraction of the cost of Apple’s official USB-C charging cases.

Before purchasing, users should ensure that their AirPods’ model number is compatible with the case they are buying. The model number can be found on the underside of the charging case.

AirPods Max Users Get a USB-C Adapter Solution

Pillonel hasn’t just stopped with the AirPods — he’s also developed a USB-C adapter for the original AirPods Max, Apple’s premium over-ear headphones. This external adapter plugs into the Lightning port at the bottom of the right earcup and allows AirPods Max users to upgrade to USB-C without having to shell out $549 for the latest version.

Though the adapter isn’t as sleek as the protective cases for AirPods, it is compact enough to go unnoticed when in use, making it a simple and effective way to bring your AirPods Max into the USB-C era.

A Step Towards USB-C Standardization

Ken Pillonel has been an outspoken critic of Apple’s reliance on the proprietary Lightning port, especially as USB-C became the industry standard. He first gained attention in 2021 for releasing an open-source guide on how to convert the iPhone X to USB-C. Since then, he’s continued to work on methods for upgrading Apple’s popular products, including the AirPods and AirPods Max, without requiring any hardware modifications or soldering skills.

For anyone still rocking Lightning-based AirPods and seeking a modern USB-C upgrade, Pillonel’s protective cases and adapters offer an elegant and cost-effective solution. Say goodbye to carrying around multiple charging cables and embrace the simplicity of USB-C with these innovative cases.

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