- A new iPhone case gives older lightning models a USB-C port
- It quickly supports charging and there are versions for most older iPhones
- IPH0N3 case is available now and costs about $ 55 / £ 40 / AU £ 85
If you have an older iPhone that frustrates you with its dated lightning port, an engineer has just come up with a nice solution -a telephone case that gives it a USB port instead.
Swiss engineer Ken Pillonel, who runs the YouTube channel exploring the simulation, achieved previous Internet fame in 2021 for making the first USB-C iPhone ever. While this iPhone X was more a proof-of-concept, his new ‘iPH0N3’ USB-C case can be purchased right now in the outdated store.
The case, made of nylon 12 plastic, is available to most pre-in-hand 15 models that go back to iPhone XS and XR (and older models). It supports wireless and magsafe charging as well as fast charging and carplay.
The only downside is that accessories that need power from the phone, such as external storage or screens, unfortunately do not work with the USB-C port as they are locked down to only work with Apple adapters.
But otherwise, the case can help bring your older iPhone into the dongle-free world of USB-C charging and accessories. The case ‘iPH0N3’ starts from 43.90 CHF (approximately $ 55 / £ 40 / AU £ 85) – and although a lot of models are already sold out, many have to go back in stock at the end of August.
How it was built
Look at
While the USB-C iPhone case does not functionally do much more than putting a lightning-to-USB-C adapter inside a case, the engineering process (explained in the video above) was more complicated than you might think.
In Ken Pillonel’s attempt to solve the fast charging congers, he discovered that many existing lyn adapters use simple tricks that prevent them from working properly with all USB-C cables.
Instead, his case uses different techniques, including parasitic power, to help it detect which way your cable is connected to always support 9V quick charging. Whether you want to buy the case or not, the video is an interesting watch.
The ultimate goal of the project is to lure you away from an unnecessary iPhone upgrade by providing your older model USB-C connection. Of course, it can’t extend the amount of time Apple will support your iPhone in (typically 7-8 years in terms of security updates), but it looks like a nice accessory that some will appreciate if they want to move to a lightning-free life without upgrading their phone.
