World’s first iPhone with USB-C attracts bids of over $100,000 at auction

An iPhone X modded to support a USB-C port for charging and data transfers, has been listed for auction on ebay. The used iPhone, touted as the world’s first iPhone with USB-C, has a current highest bid of $100,100, or nearly ₹75 lakh.

The phone was modified by Robotics engineering student Ken Pillonel, who has detailed the process in a YouTube video. In a 13-minute video, Pillonel describes how he reverse engineered Apple’s C94 connector, which allowed him to create a custom PCB with a female USB-C port.

Although the phone is up for sale, Pillonel has clarified that the person who ends up buying the device will have to abide by a few conditions. According to the ebay listing, the buyer should not restore, update, or erase the device, should not use the device as a daily driver, and should not open up the device physically. However, Pillonel has guaranteed that the phone will work when received.

The eventual buyer will receive the 64GB iPhone X with USB-C, the box, and free shipping anywhere in the world, but no accessories. Pillonel has also promised a 30-minute support call for answering any questions.

Also Read: iPhone 13 production cuts likely as Apple reels from chip shortage: report

Apple has switched to the standard USB-C port in its MacBooks and iPads, but despite popular demand has stuck with the Lightning connector in iPhones.

However, the Lightning connector’s time may be limited, as the European Union has recently proposed laws that would force all smartphone manufacturers to use the USB-C standard. The port would also be mandated on smartphones, tablets, cameras, portable speakers, and video game consoles. The laws, which have been criticised by Apple, are a few years from coming into force. If implemented, they would force the tech giant to switch to USB-C at least in Europe.