A Swiss robotics engineer, known for previously developing a case that brought USB-C support to Lightning-based iPhones, has now reversed the concept with a new accessory designed for Apple’s latest hardware.
The engineer’s latest creation is a custom protective case that adds a fully functional Lightning port to the iPhone 17 Pro, effectively reintroducing Apple’s older connector standard to a device that has fully transitioned to USB-C.
While presented as a technical showcase rather than a commercial product with mass-market ambitions, the project highlights ongoing experimentation in bridging legacy Apple accessories with newer hardware designs.
The engineer behind the project, Ken Pillonel, says the build was meant as a playful, tongue-in-cheek response to viewer requests rather than a serious commercial product.
In a video description, he described it as “part hack, part mod, and one of the most cursed things I’ve ever built,” adding: “Be careful what you wish for.” He also confirmed there are no plans to sell the case.
How the Lightning case was built
The project involved a mix of custom hardware design and rapid prototyping. Pillonel created custom PCBs to position the connector precisely inside the case, along with a flexible TPU shell produced using an SLS 3D printing process. He also fabricated a dedicated jig on a Prusa printer to assist with magnet placement.
Despite the experimental nature of the build, the final result is a relatively slim case that supports MagSafe alignment and uses a snap-fit assembly design for installation.
A tradition of connector experiments
Pillonel set himself a self-imposed deadline to finish the prototype by April Fools’ Day, reinforcing its experimental and humorous intent.
The project continues his broader history of hardware modifications, including a well-known USB-C conversion of an iPhone X in 2021 and a USB-C AirPods Max mod released in 2024.