Apple Lighting to USB Connector

By Jeremy Horwitz

Editor-in-Chief, iLounge (Google+)
Published: Monday, January 21, 2013
Category: Adapters + Cables - Home / Office, Lightning Connector - Power / Data

Four months after Apple officially introduced the Lightning connector, the number of third-party accessories supporting the new standard is steadily increasing, but still incredibly limited, as the connectors' limited supplies and high costs have proved prohibitive for many developers. Consequently, Apple's Lightning to USB Cable ($19) was 2012's only real option for connecting a fourth-generation iPad, iPad mini, iPhone 5, iPod nano 7G, or iPod touch 5G to a computer or charger via USB. But in recent weeks, early third-party alternatives have started to arrive, including Griffin's Lightning Connector Cables ($17-$25), and Scosche's strikeLine Pro ($30). From an electronic standpoint, these cables all work identically for charging and syncing, so the only reasons to prefer a certain model would be size, cosmetics, case compatibility, or pricing. However, Apple's licensing fees for sync-capable Lightning cables are so high that developers can't charge much less than the "official" price for their own options -- a fact that the developers bemoan, but are apparently powerless to change.

via ilounge.com

Apple Lighting to USB Connector