In a world where technology seems to be moving toward universal standards, Apple's decisions can often leave long-time users longing for the past. First, the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack was sacrificed, followed closely by the Lightning port itself. If you've found yourself wishing for the return of the Lightning port on your new iPhone 17 Pro, you’re in luck! A new innovation has arrived, courtesy of a creative hardware tinkerer who has developed a case that reinstates the classic Lightning port functionality you miss.
This clever creation comes from the mind of Ken Pillonel, a freelance hardware prototyping consultant known for his love of the Lightning port. This isn't his first venture into hybrid technology; previously, he integrated a Lightning port into an Android device. Read on for an inside look at how this case was conceived and constructed:
Check out some detailed images showcasing the finished product:
This case adds a Lightning port to the iPhone 17 Pro
Pillonel has skillfully compressed a Lightning to USB-C adapter within the case using custom PCBs to ensure a compact design. The case itself is 3D printed from durable TPU material. Let’s take a moment to admire the CAD models that brought this project to life:
A CAD model for the Lightning case
Ken Pillonel has made a name for himself as an innovator; five years ago, he was responsible for adding a USB-C port to an iPhone X, a significant hardware modification. His contributions also include pioneering upgrades for AirPods, such as integrating a USB-C port long before Apple adopted the change. You can explore his projects and various case offerings at his sites, where he offers practical solutions including USB-C upgrades for older iPhone models.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
| 256GB 12GB RAM | $ 1,098.83  |
€ 1,082.79  |
| 512GB 12GB RAM | $ 1,197.44 |
€ 1,315.59 |
| Show all prices |
