You Can Now Buy a USB-C Mod for AirPods Pro [Video]

Robotics engineer Ken Pillonel has managed to replace the Lightning port on AirPods Pro with USB-C.

Last year, Pillonel created a 3D-printed case and custom USB-C part for AirPods 1 and 2; however, due to overwhelming demand he's now done the same for AirPods Pro.


Notably, it's technically possible to open AirPods Pro without damaging the case and for the first time Pillonel is now offering a USB-C mod that users can easily purchase to upgrade their own AirPods Pro.

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After the success of Ken Pillonel's previous project, a 3D-printed case and custom USB-C part for the AirPods Gen. 1 and 2 (and the world's first USB-C iPhone), he decided to replicate the project for the AirPods Pro series, due to great demand. The goal was to find a solution that gives a second life to the allegedly unopenable cases, which all face an inevitable end of life because of their built-in battery.

His findings led him to conclude the AirPods Pro cases are easier to open than their non-Pro counterpart, yet it still not guaranteed that it can be achieved without damage.

The proposed solution consists of 2 possibilities:


1. User can open case without damage: they can then replace the dying battery. If the Lightning port is broken, it can also now be replaced. An open-source USB-C replacement part is also part of the project. Users can make it themselves, but more realistically, they can now purchase it. The USB-C part fits the original case by removing a small metal part, no milling required.
2. User can not open case without damage: they can download a 3D-printed replacement part that I designed because the official replacement part does not exist. So, repairs can be made inside, and finally, the 3D-printed replacement part is inserted back in place. The USB-C replacement part is also compatible with the 3D-printed case.

The goal of this project is to maximize the number of successful repairs to minimize the quantity of electronic waste. A replacement battery can be purchased online, but it is the only replacement part available. If a charging port is broken, there is no way to replace it except by getting a replacement part from another device.
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For most users, it's too difficult to build integrated circuits at home. So, Pillonel is either selling AirPods Pro 1 already modded with USB-C, or for those who want to mod their own, a USB-C replacement part that can be swapped with the current Lightning part. It costs CHF 34.90 ($38) for the USB-C part and CHf 299 ($324) for the already modded AirPods Pro 1. If you don't already have AirPods Pro, you can purchase renewed ones for $174.

Take a look at the video below and hit the link for more information.

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