Engineering Student Creates Custom AirPods With USB-C Charging Case - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Engineering Student Creates Custom AirPods With USB-C Charging Case

After showing off the world's first iPhone with a fully functional USB-C port last year, engineering student Ken Pillonel has now created custom AirPods with a USB-C charging case instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning connector.

usb c airpods
Pillonel told The Verge that he managed to design a custom flexible PCB that allowed him to fit the necessary USB-C charging hardware inside the AirPods case, and he plans to open source the project so that others can attempt the project themselves.

He shared a short video of the USB-C AirPods on YouTube and plans to release a full-length video with more details in the coming weeks.

In addition to a USB-C iPhone and USB-C AirPods, Pillonel also managed to add a fully functional Lightning connector to a Samsung smartphone.

Apple has opposed proposed EU legislation that would require the company to offer a USB-C port on devices like the iPhone. Apple does offer USB-C ports on some devices, such as the latest MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models.

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple's Next Era Begins September 1

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:36 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after 15 years of leading the company. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company,...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in September With These 10 New Features

Saturday May 9, 2026 6:03 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...
Apple Watch Series 10 Jet Black Touch ID

Apple Watch Series 12 and watchOS 27: What to Expect Later This Year

Friday May 8, 2026 2:07 pm PDT by
While not too much has been reported about the next Apple Watch models, there are a few rumors about potential design changes and watchOS 27 features. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are expected to be released in September, and we have outlined some of the key rumored hardware and software changes below. A new Apple Watch SE is not expected this year, as that model was...

Top Rated Comments

jayducharme Avatar
52 months ago
I just went on a trip and had to pack three different cables for three different Apple devices. I wish they’d take this guy’s hint and just shift everything to USB-C.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ratspg Avatar
52 months ago
People want Apple to utilize USB-C so badly, lol.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
The Barron Avatar
52 months ago
Come on, Apple! It's time to go to ONE charging connection worldwide - USB-C for all devices. You'll still make plenty of money and people will be able to stop all the cable madness. The time is N O W, Apple.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
52 months ago

Does anyone actually charge their AirPods case with a cable? Lol it's not 2005 anymore.
yes cuz I dont have a hundred years to charge my things and I usually need to charge them on a plane or whatever
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jaro65 Avatar
52 months ago
Glad to see this guy continues to pick up new projects to show Apple what's possible. :-)
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kiranmk2 Avatar
52 months ago

Come on, Apple! It's time to go to ONE charging connection worldwide - USB-C for all devices. You'll still make plenty of money and people will be able to stop all the cable madness. The time is N O W, Apple.
Not just one cable for charging - one cable for everything.

* Charging
* Display output
* Connecting peripherals
* Data transfer
* Audio
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)