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Because of their convenience and compelling mix of features, the original AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 are popular among iPhone users. However, if something happens to the charging case and your earbuds are no longer under warranty, your options are limited. For a fee, Apple will replace the case. If you already own the first-generation AirPods Pro, you’re probably better off purchasing the new model to get a new set of batteries. In any case, there is no simple way to repair a pair of AirPods Pro while reducing your electronic waste. Replacement parts are either difficult to come by, expensive, or non-existent, and Apple did not design any of its earbuds to be repairable.
Ken Pillonel, a robotics engineer who became internet famous in 2021 for creating a working USB-C iPhone, is attempting to correct this. Pillonel has effectively created an end-to-end solution for those who want to swap the battery in their AirPods Pro case rather than replace it entirely with his latest DIY project.
Pillonel created a replacement USB-C PCB that he claims can be installed in an undamaged case without milling. If you’ve been following Pillonel for a while, you’re probably aware that he also designed a USB-C PCB for the first and second generations of AirPods and shared the design on GitHub. He’s selling the AirPods Pro part this time to make the repair as simple as possible for anyone who wants to try it. A single PCB can be purchased from his online store for around $38.
Pillonel has also considered the possibility of damaging your AirPods Pro case while attempting to access the internal battery. He’s made a schematic available on GitHub, which you can use to 3D print a replacement. The USB-C PCB and case are completely interchangeable. The only thing you’ll need to buy separately is a new battery. These are available online for around $20. “The goal of this project is to maximize the number of successful repairs in order to reduce the amount of electronic waste,” Pillonel explained in a statement. Most people won’t have the patience or confidence to service their AirPods Pro charging case, but this project is invaluable for those who do.