Those of us who still use AirPods with Lightning ports finally have a way to upgrade them to USB-C without the need for complicated modifications or the cost of a complete case replacement. Engineer Ken Pillonel has developed a smart case for older AirPods models that has a USB-C charging port on the outside.
The cases are made from a durable but flexible 3D printed plastic and can be installed on an AirPods charging case in about 10 seconds. The USB-C port on the outside routes power to the AirPods' Lightning port, with some additional electronics hidden in the base. However, the housing can also be easily removed if direct access to the Lightning port is still required.
Before purchasing, please ensure that the specific model number listed on your AirPods charging case is compatible with the supported versions indicated in each case's listing.
Pillonel also has a solution for AirPods Max users who don't want to spend another $549 on Apple's new USB-C model. Its external USB-C adapter for the original AirPods Max simply plugs into the Lightning port and attaches to the bottom of the right ear cup. It's not quite as stylish as the protective cases, but it's small enough that it's hard to notice when you're wearing the headphones on the go.
For several years now, Pillonel has been waging war on Apple's proprietary Lightning connector, but as USB-C became more widespread, it was no longer so well received. In 2021, he released an open source design for upgrading the iPhone X to USB-C and later revealed methods for upgrading the AirPods and AirPods Max to USB-C. While Pillonel sells electronic kits that allow you to upgrade Apple's wireless headphones yourself, the new cases and adapters don't require any hardware modifications or soldering skills.