For some it will be a concern which connection the AirPods charging case has, but for others it is important that as many devices as possible use usb-c. Ken Pillonel, a robotics student from Switzerland, prefers USB-C. And he won't sit on his hands until Apple brings it to market itself. He started tinkering and replaced the Lightning port with a USB-C port.
AirPods charging case with USB-C connection
It's not the first time that Pillonel tinkers with Apple devices to provide them with USB-C. In November 2021, for example, he released a video in which he showed how he successfully converted an iPhone X.
In a short video, Pillonel gives a preview of the AirPods charging case with USB-C. A more detailed video will appear later, but it is already clear that he has designed and installed a suitable module himself. As proof that it works, he shows how he powers his MacBook, converted iPhone and AirPods charging case with a USB-C cable.
The Swiss student also does the opposite, by using USB ports to build to Lightning. Last month he showed a Samsung Galaxy A51 with a working Lightning connection. This unit normally uses USB-C. By the way, it didn't look pretty, but it did work.
Usb-c soon to be mandatory in Europe?
Apple may soon have a job for this student, because the European Commission has plans to make usb-c mandatory to prevent electrical waste. Apple is not a fan of the proposal to introduce a universal charger. The company will have to believe it if the plans are converted into laws. Currently, many Apple devices already use USB-C. The iPhone still sticks to Lighting. Accessories such as AirPods, keyboards and mice also use Lightning.