Lightning

Apple Watch: a mysterious 6-pin port opens up many possibilities

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

There is a mysterious port on the Apple Watch that could be used to connect accessories such as a smart band or battery, reports TechCrunch. The outlet says that multiple sources have confirmed the wearable features a secret 6-dot brass contact used for diagnostics and direct access to the operating system.

Apparently the port is very similar to the Lightning port found on larger iOS devices, and is located inside the groove of the "bottom" strap connector slot. It's believed that this portal is "absolutely necessary" to install the Watch OS during manufacturing, and thus it will be present on shipping versions of the wearable.

Hackers break Apple’s Lightning connector making it easier to debug kernel bugs for future jailbreaks

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Big news for the hacking community, and by extension, iPhone jailbreakers. Apple's Lightning connector—a proprietary bus and power connector found in all modern iPhones, iPads and iPod touches—has had its security compromised by a team of resourceful hackers. What does this mean for the jailbreak community?

This iPhone Lightning cable claims to cut charging time in half for $27

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

SONICable is claiming it's the world's most advanced charging cable for the Lightning-supporting iPhones, able to charge your device in half the time as a normal Apple charger.

It offers an off and on switch that is behind the magic. When the switch is OFF: Its like a normal USB cable, charge and sync. When the switch is ON: All of the power is focused on charging, sync/data is disabled, which the Fort Lauderdale-based company says helps increase speed significantly.

CES 2015: Griffin unveils reversible USB Lightning cable since Apple hasn’t

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

With CES 2015 winding down, accessory maker Griffin has unveiled a $29.99 Lightning cable with a reversible USB connector, allowing users to plug in the USB portion of the connector on either side.

New noise-cancelling headphones from Philips draw power from Lightning port

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 8, 2015

As The Verge reported Thursday, Consumer electronics maker Philips took the wraps off its new on-ear headphones that don't have a built-in battery, instead drawing power from the Lightning port of an iOS device.

The Fidelio NC1L features noise-cancelling technology which uses four different microphones to suppress background noise. Audio quality is improved further thanks to the use of Philips's own integrated 24-bit digital-to-analog converter instead of the one built into iOS devices.

This micro USB to Lightning cable adapter can help eliminate cable clutter

Jim Gresham ∙ December 10, 2014

Tired of carrying around multiple cables? Of course you are! Lots of gadgets pile up around iOS devices. There are battery cases, portable Bluetooth speakers, powered headphones, and the like. Unfortunately, none of them use Lightning cables for charging as they instead require a micro USB.

I keep both a Lightning cable and micro USB cable in my daypack at all times. Actually, I keep two Lightning and two micro USB cables in my pack. My forgetfulness only proves the challenge of keeping enough cords around. If only there was a cable to satisfy both standards. Thanks to accessory maker TYLT, the Syncable-Duo is just the solution.

Apple to let vendors outfit ‘Made for iPhone’ gear with Lightning port starting early 2015

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 18, 2014

Apple during its MFi Summit that took place last week over the course of three days in Shenzhen, China told its 'Made for iPhone' (MFi) accessory vendors that it will be relaxing rules of the game.

Specifically, makers will be permitted to outfit their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad accessories with Apple's proprietary Lightning port beginning early next year, Jordan Kahn reported Tuesday morning over at 9to5Mac.

Accessories such as iPhone docks and battery cases with a built-in Lightning port would benefit from using Apple's proprietary I/O technology to provide power to both an accessory and the iOS device. The current implementation requires such accessories to provide an additional USB cable for charging.

Prevent fraying cables with AwesomeCables

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 29, 2016

We spent several Let's Talk iOS episodes chatting about fraying cables. Many people suffer from OEM Lightning cables that over time fray near the tip. Arguably, this happens from bending, flexing, and tugging on the cable. Personally, like Cody, I have never experienced this problem. However, most of my cables remain in place, whether in the office, kitchen or car, I do not tote them around. Also, I am careful to pull them from the pin head, as opposed to using the wire as my tugging point.

Here to resolve several issues, including the fray, is AwesomeCables. The newly released 6' Braided Cable showed up for review, thanks to their offer. I am a big fan of the build quality and, most importantly, MFi certification.

Hands on with Truffol’s reversible USB Lightning cables

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

There have been a lot of rumors going around about Apple's alleged reversible cable. Most recently, reports are saying no such cable will be included with September's iPhone 6 launch. It is shocking reversible USB cables are not already in mass production. After all, the technology is quite old. Only since the reversible cable was linked with Apple, has there been such a firestorm.

Last week, we posted an article about accessory maker Truffol debuting a reversible cable, available for purchase immediately. I was able to get my hands on a pair of cables from the manufacturer and am quite pleased with their build quality!

Retailer: Apple won’t release reversible USB Lightning cable this year, buy ours instead

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Third-party retailer Moca.co claims Apple doesn't have plans to release a reversible Lightning USB cable with the upcoming iPhone 6, or even in 2014, throwing a wrench in recent Apple rumors.

Can’t wait for iPhone 6? Truffol launches reversible Lightning USB cable for $10

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Online retailer Truffol has launched a reversible Lightning cable for models of the iPhone, iPad, and iPods that support the connection technology. This marks the first reversible Lightning cable, meaning there is no wrong way to plug it into the USB port on your charger or computer as there is on the official cable sold by Apple.

Apple hasn't officially launched or embraced a reversible Lightning cable as of yet, but is rumored to do so when it launches the iPhone 6 in the coming weeks. Truffol is allowing you get a leg up on the Cupertino-based company for a measly $9.99.

Alleged reversible Lightning to USB iPhone 6 cable caught on video

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Along with the many enhancements and improvements expected in the iPhone 6 this fall, the handset is also expected to ship with a new, reversible Lightning to USB cable. We've seen multiple photos of the alleged cable, and Apple even holds a patent for such a design.

Tonight comes more evidence of the theory, with frequent part-leaker Sonny Dickson posting a video showing the new cable in action. It appears to work similar to the Lightning side of the current cable, allowing the user to plug in the USB side, regardless of orientation...