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Engineer details how he created the world's first USB-C iPhone

The engineer who modified an iPhone to sport a USB-C port has now shared the process of how the "world's first" Apple USB-C smartphone came to be.

Back in October, robotics engineer Kenny Pi shared a short video showing off the USB-C iPhone. Through some creative engineering, Pi was able to get the device to function properly, even with the heavy modifications.

In a YouTube video published Monday, Pi detailed the entire process — from proof of concept to the actual machining of components.

The clip illustrates the fact that the modification is an intensive engineering feat and not a do-it-yourself type of project.

With that being said, Pi has released the entire initiative as an open-source project on Github. He is also auctioning off his original USB-C iPhone.

Even with the Github repository and detailed instructions, modifying an iPhone to this degree is ill-advised. According to Apple, unauthorized modifications kill the iPhone warranty. Furthermore, the modifications would most likely cause Apple to reject a repair of any sort.

It may not be long before consumers have the chance to own a USB-C iPhone, however. A proposed piece of legislation in Europe could mandate USB-C as a common port standard. If passed, the legislation would give Apple two years to release an iPhone with a USB-C port in the European Union.



20 Comments

sflocal 16 Years · 6138 comments

So he knows electronics.  Honestly, who outside of that tech-nerd-circle really cares? No one.

mike1 10 Years · 3437 comments

sflocal said:
So he knows electronics.  Honestly, who outside of that tech-nerd-circle really cares? No one.

I was going to say the same thing. Who really cares and what's the benefit? I don't think anyone really doubted it could be done.

crowley 15 Years · 10431 comments

sflocal said:
So he knows electronics.  Honestly, who outside of that tech-nerd-circle really cares? No one.

You’re on AppleInsider. This is at the very least tech-nerd-circle adjacent.

i thought it was pretty cool. Good luck to him.

williamh 13 Years · 1048 comments

mike1 said:
sflocal said:
So he knows electronics.  Honestly, who outside of that tech-nerd-circle really cares? No one.

I was going to say the same thing. Who really cares and what's the benefit? I don't think anyone really doubted it could be done.

I wanted to be the first to say "Great job! Who cares?" But I will settle for third.

lkrupp 19 Years · 10521 comments

crowley said:
sflocal said:
So he knows electronics.  Honestly, who outside of that tech-nerd-circle really cares? No one.
You’re on AppleInsider. This is at the very least tech-nerd-circle adjacent.

i thought it was pretty cool. Good luck to him.

Good luck to him? Why? Is he going to startup a company that converts iPhones to USB-C and become wealthy beyond avarice?