An Apple modder added a USB-C port to the AirPods Max, and you can buy a kit to do the same

It’s no secret that Apple has been slowly ditching the Lightning connector in favor of USB-C after the European Union mandated it. While many accessories, iPads and even iPhones now use USB-C, the AirPods Max are still stuck in Lightning Land. However, engineer Ken Pilonel (who previously brought USB-C to the iPhone and AirPods before Apple) created a USB-C connector for the headphones.

Pillonel found it easy to punch out the Lightning connector AND leave a perfectly sized opening for a USB-C cable. He then designed a custom board and found the right connector to make it all work. Pillonel was able to charge the AirPods Max via USB-C on the first try.

Unfortunately, wired USB-C audio is not feasible with this mod. Pilonel notes that this will require a chip from Apple’s own adapter, which costs $35. At this point, you can just buy a USB-C headset. So this mod is only really worth it if you really want to charge your AirPods Max via USB-C, which means there’s less reason to carry around a Lightning cable.

AirPods Max are three years old and probably due for an upgrade. Any future model will likely have a USB-C connector to meet EU requirements. However, if you’re willing to tinker with your existing headphones (or maybe even replace a broken Lightning connector), you can download the schematic and purchase all the other parts you need. Everything is indicated in the description of Pilonel’s YouTube video and directions are on his website. Alternatively, you can buy a set directly from the Pillonel store.