China3D printingNet October 18th, Swiss Youtuber and engineer Ken Pillonel (aka Kenny Pi) used the power of 3D printing to create what he called “the world’s first USB Type-C Apple iPhone.”
Using a combination of desktop 3D printing and welding for modification, the engineer’s customized smartphone can be charged and exchanged data via a traditional Type-C cable. After years of rumors that Apple will launch its own Type-C device, Kenny Pi’s hack can help iPhone fans finally realize their dream of being able to use a single proprietary connector to charge all electronic devices.
The last Type-C iPhone that can work?
Although Apple has slowly switched the ports on its MacBook and iPad from its own Lightning cable ports to the more widely used USB Type-C configuration, its iPhone series have not made the same leap. Although there are rumors that can be traced back to the release of the iPhone 8, that Apple will eventually build a Type-C smartphone and new EU regulations that may force it to adopt a universal charger.
Ken Pillonel of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) is an engineering student who is very good at using additive manufacturing to solve daily technical problems. Last year, in the predecessor project of his new iPhone, the engineer discovered that he was able to use the Prusa MK3s 3D printer to create a car holder for his Galaxy Fold, which allowed him to move.
Since then, Youtuber has applied the knowledge he learned from the Fold project to a new level and launched an improved USB Type-C powered iPhone on his channel in May 2021. Pillonel’s initial prototype was developed in about three months by hard-wiring Apple’s proprietary “C94” connector and using his customized unique breakout board to read Type-C cables.
The board has an improved female Type-C port that can be effectively connected to a customized iPhone and used as a replacement for its female Lightning port, allowing any type of cable to charge or transfer data, albeit at the cost of convenience and dragging one Bulky circuit.
IPhone V2 modified by Kenny Pi
Although Pillonel’s first iPhone prototype is running as planned because it supports USB Type-C fast charging and data transfer, he has now developed a more streamlined version of the device. By simplifying his original design, removing most of the cables and soldering them to a custom PCB, the engineer successfully squeezed his charging adapter and Type-C port into a normal iPhone X.
To achieve this, Pillonel said he had to reverse engineer Apple’s C94 connector to fit the head of a small circuit board. He uploaded a trailer of a working model on October 8. The engineer did not reveal exactly how he managed to reduce the PCB to a certain size, but his preview did show that he relied on 3D printing to make this process possible.
Similarly, it is unclear whether the engineer plans to open source the 3D model of his mod like his Galaxy Fold stand, which can be downloaded through Thingiverse. However, it is said that this Youtuber was editing a complete video on the PCB before the release, which not only revealed the secret behind his method, but also finally realized the dream of iPhone users everywhere.
Pillonel’s first iPhone Type-C prototype PCB.
Youtuber-driven AM innovation
Using desktop 3D printing, Youtubers continue to break the model of modern technology (usually a guarantee), aiming to solve the first world problems of the 21st century. Earlier this year, Youtuber Electrosync 3D printed a “bevvy boat” designed to allow users to transport snacks through the swimming pool without having to endure the inconvenience of going out.
Before the launch of Valve’s upcoming game console, Handheld Obsession also deployed 3D printing technology to create a complete replica of the Steam platform. Using his prototype, Youtuber has been able to provide his audience with a hands-on preview of the look and feel of the device, and has caused some initial concerns about its ergonomics and button location.
Elsewhere, in more ambitious applications, Youtubers such as Lucas VRTech have set out to improve the accessibility of advanced technology for everyday enthusiasts and successfully developed 3D printed open source VR gloves in April 2021. Allegedly, the student engineer’s device can accurately track the user’s finger for only $22, without the need for an expensive VR controller.
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