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An auction for an iPhone X modified with a working USB-C port, complete with full data transfer and charging capabilities, ended on Thursday, with one deep-pocketed buyer shelling out $86,001 for the device.
Created by engineering student Ken Pillonel, the USB-C iPhone X was unveiled in October and instantly captured the imagination of iPhone users champing at the bit for more modern connector.
Pillonel released a video explainer of the build in early November and, as expected, the process was more than a simple parts swap.
In addition to reverse engineering Apple’s C94 connector, Pillonel had to fabricate a custom circuit board, test and route connections, and squeeze USB-C parts into an already crammed case. The final result was put up for auction on eBay with bids quickly soaring north of $85,000.
As noted by Gizmodo, the auction ended today with a winning bid of $86,001. A total of 116 bids were placed, most of which came within the first three days.
Pillonel guarantees that the iPhone is functional, but warned against restoring, updating or erasing the device. Further, he said the buyer should not use the heavily modified iPhone as their primary device, and stipulated that its case not be opened.
“So basically you can do whatever you want with it but don’t expect anything from me if you break something. It is just a prototype,” Pillonel said in the listing’s description.
While Apple has yet to commit to switching its flagship platform to USB-C, as it has other hardware like iPad and Mac, brave users can attempt to replicate Pillonel’s project by following detailed instructions released on GitHub. Modifying iPhone will, of course, void its warranty and there is no guarantee of success.
