New case available for iPhone 14 line and older

Apple switched the iPhone to USB-C a couple years ago with the iPhone 15 line.

But many other devices, including Apple products like the Mac and iPad, went all-in on USB-C much sooner.

In 2025, it’s become increasingly likely that your iPhone might be the only device that still depends on Lightning. While products like laptops, tablets, and so much more—Nintendo Switch, portable fans, white noise machines, etc.—all use USB-C.

One expensive solution is to upgrade to a new iPhone. But if you’re largely happy with your iPhone, there’s now another option.

A new case from OBSOLESS will turn your iPhone’s Lightning port into a USB-C port instead.

The ‘iPh0n3 – USB-C Protection Case’ just launched, offering the prospect of USB-C for around $50-60.

This new case is available for a variety of older iPhone models, including:

iPhone 14 line

iPhone 13 line

iPhone 12 line

iPhone 11 line

iPhone XS line

iPhone SE models

and more

You can browse all available options via the OBSOLESS website.

Wireless charging and MagSafe charging both work with the case, as does fast charging. The one downside is that any accessory requiring power from the iPhone won’t be compatible—for example, wired audio devices, external storage or displays.

Are you interested in the new iPhone case? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone accessories

A new iPhone case from engineer Ken Pillonel lets anyone add a USB-C port to an older Lightning iPhone, with no disassembly required.

Pillonel is best known for creating the first USB-C iPhone in 2021, a one-off project that went viral among tech fans and right-to-repair advocates. Now, after several years of work, he’s turned the idea into something anyone can use.

His new case slips over an iPhone and adds a working USB-C port that supports charging, data transfer, and CarPlay. The case includes a custom circuit that handles fast charging and full-speed data transfer.

It avoids the usual problems seen in adapters, which often fail under load or break easily. The USB-C port connects directly to the Lightning interface through the case, so there’s no need to open the phone or use tools.

Pillonel says he designed the case as a response to planned obsolescence. He wants people to get more life out of older devices without having to upgrade or rely on fragile accessories.

A push for sustainability

Apple has started moving to USB-C on newer iPhones, but older Lightning models are still widely used. Pillonel’s case gives those devices a second wind, offering users a chance to modernize without buying a new phone.

His video, launching July 23 on YouTube, shows the case in action and walks through how it works. Pillonel also previously launched USB-C cases for AirPods, and those quickly drew interest from the repair community.

The iPhone case isn’t up for sale just yet, but Pillonel says it’s real and working. He’s hoping it inspires others to think differently about how tech is designed, used, and upgraded.

A note on planned obsolescence

Apple drew a lot of negative attention when it moved to the Lightning connector on iPhone, then USB-C on Mac within a few short years. The company even promised, and upheld, that the Lightning connector would be in place for at least ten years.

The move to USB-C was a necessary step to ensure Apple didn’t face unnecessary regulation or fines because of its proprietary port. The idea that Apple moved ports to force users to upgrade to newer port types is an odd one, especially since the new port is more universal and allows Android and iPhone users to share chargers.

The new iPhone case definitely serves the purpose of bringing USB-C to aging iPhones, but it doesn’t really change anything about how long Apple plans to support those devices. The iPhone 15 debuted the port in 2023, and iOS 26 supports devices going back to 2019, so it isn’t as if those devices have stopped working just because they use a Lightning connector.

That said, if and when Pillonel’s case comes to market, it’ll provide an interesting in-between step for those still holding on to older iPhones that want to embrace USB-C before upgrading their device. And with iPhone 16e and used iPhone 15 models available, users should really consider just making the leap sooner rather than later.

While earlier models use Apple’s own Lightning port for charging and data transfers, USB adapters exist.

Engineer Ken Pillonel has now built a low-profile USB-C adapter right into an iPhone case.

Apple has been successful enough to get away with doing things its own way for years, and for the longest time, that meant that using its mobile hardware meant interfacing through some proprietary connectors. From the days of the awkward 30-pin dock, we progressed to the reversible Lighting era, but government pressure would eventually convince Apple to start making the shift over to USB-C, leading with iPads before shipping the iPhone 15 as its first USB-C smartphone.

That change had been a long time coming, but we could not be happier to finally live in a world where the same cable charges all of our gear — at least, our newer gear. What do you do if you’ve still got an older Apple handset that’s still kicking, but you’d like to fully move on from Lightning?

Enter: Ken Pillonel. The engineer’s been somewhat obsessed with the idea of custom-fit cases for Apple’s old iPhone lineup that modernize the hardware through the addition of a USB-C port (via Engadget). After first tackling some USB-C solutions for AirPods, he set out to upgrade his one-off iPhone USB-C design to something that could be mass produced.

Some simple circuitry helped Pillonel overcome challenges getting the USB cable to charge at maximum speed even when reversed. With that PCB designed, he could turn his attention to crafting a minimalistic case to house it. That said, he does manage to squeeze in a few small quality-of-life enhancements, like an indentation to store a backup SIM card and the option to connect a lanyard.

The end result supports fast charging, data transfers, and even works with MagSafe. Really the only big limitation is that you can’t use the USB-C port to power accessories using the phone as your battery.

If you’re looking to add a little more life to your iPhone 14 (or 13, or 12…), check out Pillonel’s store where he’s got options available for Apple’s past few generations. Some of those are sold out, and others communicate specific shipping ETAs, so make sure you double-check at the details specific to your particular iPhone.

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Ken Pillonel, the Swiss robotics engineer who likes to challenge Apple’s walled garden, is back with another innovation: a snap-on phone case from his Obsoless brand that turns the Lightning port into USB-C on compatible iPhones, no tools or expertise needed.

Pillonel started with a widespread Apple user problem: the Lightning port. Introduced in 2012 as a sleeker replacement for the 30-pin connector, it became outdated as USB-C became the standard across laptops and Android devices. Apple’s gradual shift to USB-C, forced by EU regulations for newer iPhones, left owners of older models with scarce Lightning cables and adapters. In 2021 Pillonel reverse-engineered Apple’s C94 connector, the chip in Lightning cables, to build a USB-C iPhone X.

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As of July 23, 2025 Pillonel has turned that proof-of-concept into a user-friendly product. The Obsoless case connects to an iPhone’s Lightning port and reroutes it to an embedded USB-C port, supports 20 models from iPhone XR to iPhone 14—all Lightning-era devices that can run the latest iOS. It charges fast up to 20 watts, USB 2.0 data transfers at 480Mbps (same as Lightning) and full CarPlay support.Designing the case was an engineering feat. Pillonel placed the USB-C port on the bottom right corner to keep it sleek. A 90-degree flex PCB wraps around the iPhone’s speaker, the case is 2.3mm thick and adds only 9 grams of weight. Fast charging generates heat but copper planes in the flex circuit limit the temperature increase to under 4°C. Nice touches include a SIM card slot for travelers, a lanyard attachment and MagSafe compatibility for wireless charging.Unlike Pillonel’s previous mods that required technical skills, this case is plug-and-play. The two-part plastic shell snaps onto the phone with a custom latching mechanism inspired by pen clickers and belt buckles. The internal connector aligns precisely with the Lightning port and the USB-C port takes over seamlessly. Priced between $45 and $55 it’s cheaper than Apple’s silicone cases and much less than a new iPhone.

That’s where this case comes in.

A Smart Case with Built-In USB-C

Meet the iPh0n3 USB-C Protection Case from Swiss engineer Ken Pillonel and his company, Obsoless. It’s not just a protective case, it’s a full-on quality-of-life upgrade for older iPhones.

The standout feature?

A built-in Lightning-to-USB-C adapter.

Here’s how it works:

Inside the case, there’s a Lightning plug that connects to your phone.

On the exterior corner of the case, there’s a USB-C port , so you can plug in any USB-C cable.

, so you can plug in any USB-C cable. The case supports fast charging, data transfers, and even CarPlay.

It’s not just a gimmick, it actually makes using your Lightning iPhone in a USB-C world feel modern again.

What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a perfect one-size-fits-all USB-C replacement. While it works great for power and data, some limitations exist.

✅ Works With:

USB-C power adapters

USB-C data sync

Apple CarPlay

MagSafe accessories

🚫 Doesn’t Work With:

Accessories that draw power from the iPhone, like certain USB-C headphones or speakers

So while it won’t suddenly make your iPhone work with every USB-C device on the planet, it covers the most important bases, charging, syncing, and connecting to your car.

Designed for Real Use

Right now, the case is only available in a single color: Strong Dark Gray. But it’s compatible with MagSafe, which means wireless charging and accessories are still on the table.

The case works with models as old as the iPhone XS, and Obsoless plans to continue supporting more recent Lightning iPhones while supplies last.

And about those supplies: many SKUs from the first production run are already sold out. A second batch is expected by the end of August, so if you want one, keep your eyes on Obsoless’s store or YouTube updates.

Pricing and Availability

Here’s the current pricing (converted from Swiss Francs):

iPhone 13 mini case – CHF 43.90 (around $55 USD )

case – CHF 43.90 (around ) iPhone 14 Pro Max case – CHF 49.90 (around $63 USD)

Shipping costs vary by location and aren’t included in the price. For a niche case that adds real utility, it’s actually not bad, especially when the alternative is constantly hunting for a Lightning cable in a USB-C world.

From DIY Legend to Real-World Product

If the name Ken Pillonel sounds familiar, it should. He made headlines in 2021 after modding an iPhone X with a fully working USB-C port, a project that sparked massive interest across the tech community.

Now, through Obsoless, he’s turning that modder energy into shipping products, giving old iPhones a fresh shot at modern relevance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re not ready to upgrade to a USB-C iPhone, or if you just love your iPhone 13, 12, or even XS, this case might be the smartest accessory you can buy. It adds modern connectivity, keeps MagSafe intact, and saves you from dongle chaos.

No USB-C? No problem.

FAQ: iPh0n3 USB-C Protection Case

Does this case really support USB-C charging on Lightning iPhones?

Yes. It routes the USB-C connection through a built-in Lightning adapter inside the case.

Can I use USB-C headphones or microphones with it?

No. Devices that draw power from the iPhone through the port won’t work.

Is this case MagSafe compatible?

Yes. MagSafe charging and accessories still work while the case is on.

What colors are available?

Only “Strong Dark Gray” at least for now.

Where can I buy it?

Through Obsoless’s official website or Ken Pillonel’s YouTube channel.