I STOLE the AirPods Design, and improved it! (+ fr…

I am deeply concerned about the prevailing trend in the consumer electronics industry. Most gadgets are designed without repairability in mind, unlike the durable technology of the past that seemed built to last. It is troubling to see design choices like non-replaceable batteries, glued-in components, and a lack of transparency in public information leading to the rise of ‘fast electronics.’ In response, I (Ken Pillonel) am taking on a significant project to demonstrate how one of the most popular gadgets today – Apple’s AirPods Pro – could have been easily made repairable with minimal effort. My primary objective is to encourage consumers to be more mindful of their choices and to motivate manufacturers to prioritize sustainability.

Building on the success of my previous projects, which included 3D-printed cases for various AirPods models and custom USB-C parts, I am now addressing the demand for more eco-friendly solutions. Instead of offering just outer shells for the AirPods Pro, I took on the challenge of meticulously modeling every single part of the device, essentially ‘stealing’ the design, and sharing them freely with everyone. These designs have been thoughtfully modified to include screws and nuts, making them easily swappable and repairable – a stark contrast to the original parts, frustratingly glued together with strong adhesives. 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.

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My socials:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ExploringTheSimulation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpillonel/
Github: https://github.com/kenp-io
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenpillonel
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/1234574802
Blog: https://kenp.io
Shop: https://shop.kenp.io

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Hollywood level acting by Laura and Ken.
Music by my friend Neil and his friend Raph (https://on.soundcloud.com/ZSHGTW8rUATgNJe68)
Filming and editing by Ken

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Tools I use: (affiliate)
PCB Manufacturing: https://pcbway.com/g/t98xyH (5$ off your first order)
Formlabs Form 3+ Printer: https://bit.ly/kenpio_form3 (500$ off with referral code “FORM3-HILMO”)
Formlabs Wash and Cure Machines: https://bit.ly/kenpio_formwash
Lampert PUK Micro Arc Welder: https://bit.ly/kenpio_lampert_micro_arc
CloudRay Laser Machine: https://bit.ly/kenpio_cloudray
Low Melt Solder: https://amzn.to/2YgPZGR
PCB Holder: https://amzn.to/3BL18xo
Fume extractor: https://amzn.to/3GPnUYE
Microscope: https://amzn.to/2YknyIe
Camera: https://amzn.to/3GU6uKn
Macro Lens: https://amzn.to/31w3svP

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0:00 Nostalgic Intro
1:35 Previous video
1:47 The Goal
1:59 Simple Modelling
2:30 USB-C Kit
2:47 Complex Parts
3:06 Picture Trick
4:34 3D Scanning
5:53 3D Scan Reverse Engineering
6:21 Adding Screws
6:38 Last Part
7:45 Final Build
8:19 Patreon
8:24 Protonmail
8:58 Get the files
9:13 Dark Mode?
9:25 Outro