Lightning

Apple could have wireless Lightning adapter in the works

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Apple's new, miniaturized dock connector that debuted on the iPhone 5 under the Lightning moniker so far proved an annoyance as customers with legacy 30-pin dock accessories are required to purchase Apple's pricey adapter. Worse, as Apple's cable has an authentication chip, it has been concluded that third-party alternatives offered by places like Alibaba.com won’t work.

But as a patent filing indicates, Apple is researching an interesting solution that could help ease Lightning woes with a universal adapter for iOS devices which facilitates, as Apple wrote, "the transmission of wireless data to any accessory"...

Lightning Connector chip policies against third-party alternatives

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Apple apparently has gone to great length and expense to ensure consumers purchase only its version of the Lightning connector. The connector, which debuted with the iPhone 5, includes a chip which serves to prevent third-party alternatives, according to a report.

The authentication chip is located between the cable's V+ contact and power pin, according to Double Helix Cables, which took the new cable apart, sharing its results with AppleInsider. Because the chip appears only in Apple's Lightening cable, third-party alternatives offered by places like Alibaba.com won't work, the company claims...

The Lightning connector is really, really tiny

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 21, 2012

Until you get it in your hands, it's hard to imagine just how tiny Apple's new Lightning connector really is. You might be thinking it's on USB Mini levels, but it's even smaller than that.

The press shots usually show an up close photo of the Lightning connector, which is just enough to skew perceptions of its size. In this video inside, I compare the Lightning connector to a plethora of other connectors and items we're all familiar with: USB, USB Micro, USB Mini, Thunderbolt, 30-pin connector, a penny, and more.

If you're at all interested in Apple's new connector, then you don't want to miss this...

SVP Phil Schiller says Apple has no plans for an iPhone 5 dock

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Starting with the new iPhone, Apple will be replacing the decade-old 30-pin dock connectors in all of its future iOS devices. This means that, sans an adapter, all of your old dock accessories will become obsolete.

This includes Apple's white 30-pin dock — a signature accessory that's been around since the early iPod days. Most folks figured Apple would update it this fall with the new Lightning plug, but apparently that's not the case...

Bluetooth music dongle will keep your 30-pin dock relevant

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Starting with the iPhone 5, Apple is going to be changing the dock connectors in all of its future iOS products. The new Lightning plug will be replacing the decade-old 30-pin connector.

Worried that all of your old speaker docks will become obsolete? Don't be. You can either purchase a 30-pin to Lightning adapter, which Apple sells for $29, or you can grab the auris...

Inexpensive third-party Lightning adapters surface on Amazon and eBay

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

It is no secret that Apple enjoys quite a nice profit margin on its own accessories, cables and adapters for iOS devices. The new 80 percent smaller Lightning interface found on the iPhone 5, fifth-gen iPod touch and seventh-gen iPod nano is no exception.

If you have a bunch of legacy accessories sitting around, chances are you will need Apple's Lightning to 30-pin adapter, available in $29 direct-plug and $39 cable flavors. But if you're shopping on a tight budget or Apple's decision not to include a free adapter with the iPhone 5 has been ticking you off, do check out some nice unofficial, much cheaper alternatives that have cropped up on Amazon...

Engineer explains why Apple went with Lightning instead of Micro USB

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 29, 2017

Among the many changes found in the iPhone 5 is the new Lightning dock connector. For months we've been expecting Apple to replace the aging 30-pin port in its new handset, and it did.

The change has caused a bit of controversy, because folks don't understand why it was necessary, and they don't know why Apple didn't go with the more popular Micro USB connector.

As it turns out, Micro USB isn't smart enough...

Confirmed: no free Lightning to 30-pin adapter with your iPhone 5 purchase

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Apple's new and 80 percent thinner Lightning connector found on the iPhone 5 and the new iPod touch has been met with criticism. As you know, existing accessories designed for the legacy 30-pin dock connector cannot connect directly to the Lightning-equipped devices without Apple's Lightning to 30-pin Adapter, provided in $29 direct-plug and $39 cable varieties.

Confusion arose around whether or not the adapter is including inside the iPhone 5 box. The iPhone 5 entry on the online Apple store under the "What's in the box" section originally listed the adapter as included. However, sales reps claim the opposite and Apple has consequentially removed the item from the iPhone 5 package...

Lightning dock connector thought to support USB hosting

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 29, 2017

Apple's new Lightning dock connector which debuted on the iPhone 5 and the new colorful iPod touch isn't just 80 percent smaller (and nearly identical in size to the micro-USB), reversible and all digital, it is also designed with USB I/O technology in mind.

According to a report from Macotakara, the Japanese blog with a fairly accurate track record, Lightning I/O has built-in support to host USB devices, which could lead to more fully-featured accessories than previously possible. Think keyboards, digital cameras, MIDI interfaces, mics and other USB-based gear...

Apple confirms Lightning to HDMI and VGA cables coming

Cody Lee ∙ September 14, 2012

More details have come to light today regarding Apple's new Lightning connector and its capabilities. It seems it will be capable of wired video output after all.

Previously, folks were worried that it wouldn't support video out, due to the fact that the Lightning to 30-pin adapter doesn't. But Apple just confirmed it will...

New smaller iPhone 5 Lightning connector confirmed

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Apple officially unveiled its new connector called Lightning today at their iPhone press conference, just as the rumors suggested they would.

The new connector can be plugged in either way for ease of use, it's 80% smaller, and all digital. It'll no doubt compliment the new smaller form factor of the iPhone 5.