- A new iPhone box gives old lightning models a USB-C port
- It supports the fast charge, and there are versions for most older iPhones
- The IPH0N3 case is available now and costs around $ 55 /40 £ / at £ 85
If you have an older iPhone that frustrates you with its dated lightning port, an engineer has just offered an NIFTY solution – a telephone case which gives it a USB port instead.
Swiss engineer Ken Pillonel, who runs the YouTube channel by exploring the simulation, previously carried out an internet renown in 2021 for having created the very first USB-C iPhone. Although this iPhone X mod is more proof of concept, its new USB-C “IPH0N3” case is available for purchase now in the obsolete store.
The housing, in 12 nylon plastic, is available for most pre-iphone 15 models, dating from the iPhone XS and XR (and older models). It supports the wireless load and Magsafe, as well as the fast load and the carplay.
The only drawback is that accessories that need the phone supply, such as external storage or screens, will unfortunately not work with the USB-C port, because they are locked to work only with Apple adapters.
But otherwise, the case can help bring your older iPhone to the world without load and USB-C accessories. The “IPH0N3” case begins from 43.90 CHF (around $ 55 / £ 40 / at £ 85) – and although some models are already sold, many are back in stock at the end of August.
How it was built
To watch
Although the IPhone USB-C case does not work functionally much more than putting a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter in one case, the engineering process (explained in the video above) was more complex than you think.
In Ken Pillonel’s attempts to solve the fast load enigma, he discovered that many existing lightning adapters use simple tips that prevent them from working properly with all USB-C cables.
Instead, its case uses various techniques, including parasitic power, to help it detect how your cable is connected, so it always supports the 9V fast load. Whether you are looking to buy the case or not, the video is an interesting watch.
The ultimate objective of the project is to move away from an unnecessary iPhone upgrade by giving your old USB-C connectivity model. Naturally, it cannot extend the time that Apple will take care of your iPhone (usually 7 to 8 years in terms of security updates), but it looks like a neat accessory that some will appreciate if they want to move on to a flashless life without upgrading their phone.
