A robotics engineer has modified the iPhone to have USB — C

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In a project that hints at what to expect from the much-rumored port switchover, an iPhone has been modified to use a USB-C connection instead of Lightning.
We also discuss the benefits that a USB-C iPhone would bring.

Since the iPhone 4's switch away from the big ol' 30-pin connector, Apple's proprietary Lightning connector has been used for charging and data transfers. However, times have changed since then; the world has embraced USB-C as its preferred connector, and Apple remains one of the few major holdouts who has yet to adopt USB-C for its most popular tech product.

Kenny Pi, a YouTube user, has an iPhone with a working USB-C connector for you to see. Kenny Pi posted a video of a hacked iPhone X with a working USB-C port that can be used for charging and data transfer on October 9.

It's only a few seconds long. More is on the way, according to Kenny Pi, who is working on a full-length video detailing the entire process. Soldering, 3D printing, and some impressive wirework went into making the USB-C iPhone come to life, according to the video provided. Take a look at the video below.

What's the big deal about a USB-C iPhone? That is an excellent question. USB-C ports are being used in an increasing number of technology products around the world. Apple's headphones, laptops, and iPads all have USB-C ports. Using a proprietary connector in the iPhone, such as Lightning, creates more electronic waste for the world to deal with. To put it another way, iPhone users will need to purchase a Lightning cable for their iPhone as well as a USB-C cable for their laptop, iPad, or other device. The dream of having a single USB-C cable that can charge all of our devices is a pipe dream, but Apple refuses to make it a reality.

Apple, on the other hand, can't keep its money-making port indefinitely. Apple may be forced to use USB-C in future smartphones if the European Commission has its way. However, that might not happen for a while. While we wait for official word, keep an eye on Kenny Pi's YouTube channel (linked above) to see how he built a USB-C iPhone that works.

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Published to Apple Scoop on 12th October, 2021.