Student Mods an iPhone X to Add a Functional USB-C Port - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Student Mods an iPhone X to Add a Functional USB-C Port

by

Apple seems to have no plans to replace the iPhone's Lightning port with a USB-C port to bring it in line with Macs and iPads, but robotics student Ken Pillonel spent months hacking an iPhone to add a USB-C port.


In early October, Pillonel shared a video demonstrating the "world's first iPhone with a USB Type-C port," and now he's shared a second video explaining how he pulled it off.

Pillonel explains how he built a proof of concept and the steps that he went through to design a functional USB-C port that actually fit inside the iPhone. It's a technical video, but it does walk through all the steps for those who are interested and for those who might want to attempt their own modification.

iphone with usb c port
The modded iPhone X with a USB-C port is being auctioned off on eBay, with Pillonel guaranteeing a functional phone on arrival. Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone. So far, the bidding has exceeded $800.

Tags: Ken Pillonel, Lightning, USB-C

Top Rated Comments

Agent OrangeZ Avatar
Agent OrangeZ
58 months ago
"Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone. So far, the bidding has exceeded $800."

So... I can buy something from you, take ownership of it... but I can't do what I want with it? The seems almost the same as buying a standard iPhone from Apple. 🤣
Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️
58 months ago
If this brilliant student can do it… why can’t you Apple?
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
reyesmac Avatar
reyesmac
58 months ago
In other news, Apple sues college student for doing the same kind of tinkering Apple cofounders did long long ago.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
rmcq
58 months ago

"Buyers are forbidden from updating or erasing the iPhone, opening it up, or using it as a daily phone. So far, the bidding has exceeded $800."

So... I can buy something from you, take ownership of it... but I can't do what I want with it? The seems almost the same as buying a standard iPhone from Apple. 🤣
Nah. Selective quoting from MacRumors.

“
[HEADING=1]By bidding on this auction you agree that:[/HEADING]

* You will not restore, update, or erase this iPhone
* You will not use it as your daily phone
* You will not open it

I guarantee that the phone will work when you receive it but if you don't follow the aforementionned guidelines you are on your own. So basically you can do whatever you want with it but don't expect anything from me if you break something. It is just a prototype.”

That’s the full quote.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple$ Avatar
Apple$
58 months ago
I would line up and buy it! USB-C is better, IMO.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nwcs Avatar
nwcs
58 months ago

If this brilliant student can do it… why can’t you Apple?
They haven't said they can't. They said they don't think it's the right option. Of course, they'll probably do it eventually.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments