Those still using AirPods with a Lightning port finally have a way to upgrade them to USB-C without complicated modifications or a complete case replacement. Engineer Ken Pillonel designed a smart case for older AirPods that includes a USB-C charging port on the outside.
The case is made from durable yet flexible 3D printed plastic and attaches to the AirPods charging case in about 10 seconds. The external USB-C port delivers power to the AirPods' Lightning port via some additional electronics hidden in the base, but the case is also easily removable if you still need to connect the Lightning port directly.
Pillonel's cases work with AirPods 1, 2, and 3, as the new AirPods 4 now come with USB-C. It also works with the Lightning versions of the original AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2, which Apple updated to USB-C last year. A USB-C charging protective case priced at $99 is prepared for AirPods Pro2, but Pillonel’s USB-C protective case only sells for $30 to $40.
Before purchasing, you'll want to make sure to double-check that the specific model listed on your AirPods charging case is compatible with the supported versions specified in each charging case listing.
Pillonel also offers a solution for AirPods Max users who don't want to spend the $549 on Apple's new USB-C model. The USB-C external adapter he designed for the original AirPods Max simply plugs into its Lightning port and hooks onto the bottom of the right earcup. It's not as elegant as a case, but it's small enough that it's hard to notice when you're wearing the headphones out and about.
Pillonel has been waging war against Apple's proprietary Lightning port for several years, as it became obsolete as USB-C became more popular. In 2021, he released an open source design for upgrading iPhoneX to USB-C, and later revealed a method for upgrading AirPods and AirPods Max to USB-C. Pillonel also sells electronics kits for do-it-yourself upgrades to Apple's wireless headphones, but the new cases and adapters don't require any hardware modification or soldering skills.
Pillonel's USB-C cases fit all models from the original AirPods to AirPods Pro 2.
Pillonel also developed a USB-C adapter for the original AirPods Max.