Mike Peterson
An iPhone that has been modified with a USB-C port instead of a Lightning connection is up for auction, and the latest bids have driven the price over $85,000.
Ken Pillonel, a robotics engineer, showed off the USB-C device back in October. On Monday, Pillonel released a video detailing how he engineered the device and announced that it would be put up for auction.
As of Thursday morning, the eBay listing for the USB-C iPhone has now reached a bid of $85,550.
Pillonel says the device has been seen by "more than a million people," and describes it as a "true piece of collection for any Apple fanboy out there."
There are some stipulations in the auction, however. Pillonel requires bidders to agree that they will not restore, update, or erase the device, will not use it as their daily driver, and will not open up the device's case.
"I guarantee that the phone will work when you receive it but if you don't follow the aforementionned [sic] guidelines you are on your own," he wrote. "So basically you can do whatever you want with it but don't expect anything from me if you break something. It is just a prototype."
If $85,550 seems a bit pricy, Pillonel has released the project on GitHub. However, the process is in-depth and will void any warranty on a device.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
20 Comments
Sometimes I forget how stupid humans can be. Stories like this quickly remind me.
Will Apple finally be in$pired to move on from Lightning? If anything will do it, it's thi$.
"the new iPhone 15, now with the incredible, magical new USB-C jack... plus the same great battery life. Starting at $85,550... and orders start this Friday"
I should have auctioned an iPhone with an attached USB-C to Lightning cable a couple of years ago.
Slow news day I see 🥱
For 85,000 bones, you think he could have cleaned the speaker grille covers. Also, good luck with those stipulations. What are you going to do, take it back?