You can easily upgrade all of Apple’s AirPods to USB-C using these smart cases

Those of us who are still enjoying AirPods with a Lightning port finally have a way to upgrade them to USB-C that doesn’t require complicated modifications or the cost of replacing the case entirely. engineer Ken Pilonel made one Smart Case for Old AirPods Models that include a USB-C charging port on the outside.

The protective cases are made of durable yet flexible 3D-printed plastic and can be installed on the AirPods Charging Case in about 10 seconds. The USB-C port on the outside delivers power to the AirPods’ Lightning port using some additional electronics hidden in the base, but the case can also be easily removed if direct access to the Lightning port is still needed.

Before purchasing you will want to make sure that the specific model number listed on your AirPods charging case is compatible with the supported versions specified in each case’s listing.

Pilonel has also come up with a solution for AirPods Max users who don’t want to spend the extra $549 for Apple New USB-C modelHis USB-C External Adapter For the original AirPods Max it simply plugs into the Lightning port and it hangs below the right earcup. It’s not as pretty as protective cases, but it’s small enough to make it hard to notice when wearing the headphones outside.

For a few years now, Pilonel has been waging a war over the Apple-owned Lightning port, delaying its welcome as USB-C became commonplace. In 2021, they released an open-source design for Upgrading iPhone Ways to upgrade to and beyond USB-C revealed AirPods and this airpods max For USB-C. Pilonel sells electronic kits to upgrade Apple’s wireless headphones on your own, but the new case and adapter don’t require any hardware mods or soldering skills.