Apple is phasing out the Lightning connector and switching to USB-C after the European Union forced it to do so. While many accessories, iPads and even iPhones now use USB-C, the AirPods Max are still stuck on Lightning. However, engineer Ken Pillonel (who brought USB-C to the iPhone and AirPods before Apple) installed a USB-C connector on the headphones and is now selling a kit so that everyone can do it.
Pillonel discovered that it was easy to knock out the Lightning connector and leave a hole that was the perfect size for USB-C. He then designed a custom circuit board and found the right connector to make everything work. Pillonel managed to charge the AirPods Max via USB-C on his first try.
Unfortunately, wired USB-C audio is not possible through this modification. Pillonel notes that this will require a chip from Apple's own adapter, which costs $35, Engadget reports.
The AirPods Max are three years old and likely due for an update. Any future model will likely have a USB-C connector to comply with EU regulations. However, if you want to work with your existing headphones (or perhaps even replace a broken Lightning connector), you can download the schematic and buy all the other parts needed. Everything is listed in the description of Pillonel's YouTube video. You can also buy a set from the Pillonel store.
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