You probably couldn't have missed it: last year,a handyman had fun transforming his iPhone by removing the Lightning plug to replace it with a… USB-C connector. Practical and original, this invention was crowned with success since the -functional- prototype was then sold for several tens of thousands of euros at auction.
The idea has since germinated, so much so that the robotics student behind this little feat has just struck again. This time, he tackled AirPods, the wireless headphones from the Apple brand currently available from 149 euros for their second generation. The result is stunning, with here also therecharge par USB-Cwhich is going wonderfully:
3D printed
As a bonus, Ken Pillonel also revisited the AirPods charging case by remodeling it with dedicated software before printing it in three dimensions. But then, what bug has stung him to get to this point? The engineer explains that Apple's earbuds are actuallydifficult to repairyourself, regardless of the efforts in this area made by the company withits kits to take care of your iPhone.
In France, the repairability rating is not mandatory for wireless headphones. ButiFixitconfirms that the third generation AirPods are a real headache when it comes to replacing even the smallest component. For the specialized site, it is therefore a0/10pointed. Same for the two previous versions.
To test at home?
The 3D model of our creator of the day is already available online;you can find all the details for free at this address. Pillonel could then offer kits to reproduce the experience at home, but be careful. In fact, we know thatApple doesn't really like itthis kind of manipulation so much so that you could see your warranty voided if you try to do the same with your own pair of AirPods.
In any case, the manufacturer could soon find itself obliged by theEuropeto switch to USB-C. MPs have already voted for the disappearance of Lightning on mobile phones, and Macs and iPads already offer the universal socket for charging.
