Modder Ken Pillonel from Switzerland knows that AirPods Pro cases eventually fail, so he wanted to make them easily user repairable. To do this, it took lots of 3D-printing and a few third party aftermarket parts, along with countless hours using modeling software to ensure that everything fit just right.
Pillonel basically had to carefully model every single part of the AirPods Pro case, thus essentially ‘stealing’ the design, and sharing them freely with everyone. The problematic sections included the curved parts, which proved difficult to accurately 2D scan. On the bright side, Pillonel did manage to track down affordable spring-loaded contact pins to charge the AirPods should they ever go bad. More information here.
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Considering the enormous number of AirPods Pro units sold, even a small percentage being repairable and extending their lifespan can make a significant impact in reducing electronic waste. I am thrilled to make these repairable designs available to the public at no cost, encouraging individuals and manufacturers alike to prioritize repairability in their product development. Together, we can work towards a circular economy that not only minimizes electronic waste but also fosters a culture of conscious consumption and responsible tech innovation,” said Pillonel.
