USB-C Compatibility Now Available for Older iPhone Models Through This New Case
A groundbreaking solution has emerged for iPhone users who wish to add USB-C compatibility to their older devices with Lightning ports. The OBSOLESS iPh0n3 USB-C Protection Case, created by Swiss engineer Ken Pillonel, offers this functionality for a range of models, from the iPhone XR and XS (2018) to the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max (2022).
This innovative case, available for purchase at approximately $45–$55 USD, connects to the iPhone's Lightning port and reroutes it to a built-in USB-C port. This enables fast charging (9V), data transfer at USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps), Apple CarPlay compatibility, and MagSafe wireless charging on supported models.
Key details about the case for the iPhone 14 series and other Lightning iPhones include:
- Compatibility: Works with 20 iPhone models with Lightning ports, including iPhone 14 and 14 Pro models.
- Charging & Data: Supports 9V fast charging up to 20 watts, USB 2.0 data speeds, and Apple CarPlay.
- Design: Snap-on two-part plastic shell with a precise internal connector; 2.3mm thick, adds 9 grams, includes a SIM card slot for travelers, lanyard attachment, and MagSafe compatibility.
- Port Location: USB-C port positioned on the bottom right corner for sleekness.
- Usage Restrictions: Cannot power external devices (wired audio, external storage, or displays) via the USB-C port; for those, you must use the Lightning port by removing the case.
- Charging Safety: The case includes copper planes in its circuit to keep thermal rise under 4°C during fast charging.
Other models of the iPh0n3 USB-C Protection Case have sold out, making this solution a valuable option for those who wish to hold onto their older iPhones longer.
In addition to the OBSOLESS case, the Liaoan USB-C to Lightning Adapter is another option for adding USB-C connectivity to iPhones with Lightning ports. This adapter, priced at around $9, does not add any additional thickness to the iPhone and comes with a lanyard for easy attachment to a keychain.
As the industry standard shifts towards USB-C, including in newer iPhone models, these solutions effectively extend the relevance of older iPhones with Lightning ports. No official Apple USB-C compatible cases exist for older Lightning port iPhones; instead, these third-party solutions bridge that gap.
For iPhone users looking to add USB-C functionality to their older devices, the OBSOLESS iPh0n3 USB-C Protection Case and the Liaoan USB-C to Lightning Adapter provide practical, affordable, and technically sophisticated solutions.
- The OBSOLESS iPh0n3 USB-C Protection Case, a practical solution for iPhone users with older devices, is compatible with a variety of smartphones from the iPhone XR and XS (2018) to the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max (2022), offering USB-C compatibility that enables fast charging, data transfer, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and MagSafe wireless charging.
- As technology advances and USB-C becomes more common, including in newer iPhone models, gadgets like the OBSOLESS iPh0n3 USB-C Protection Case and the Liaoan USB-C to Lightning Adapter play a crucial role in extending the relevance of older iPhones with Lightning ports, offering users affordable and technically sophisticated solutions.