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Apple-Certified Third-Party Lightning to USB-C Cables Expected Early Next Year

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Apple-certified Lightning to USB-C cables should be available from select third-party accessory makers starting early next year.

lightning-usb-c.jpg

Last week, Apple informed members of its Made for iPhone or "MFi" licensing program that Lightning to USB-C cables for charging and syncing are now permitted to be manufactured. These cables require a new Lightning connector with part number C94, which Made for iPhone program members can now order.

Apple is selling the new Lightning connector to eligible hardware manufacturers for $2.88 per, and it is estimated to ship in six weeks, according to documentation shared with MacRumors by Hong Kong website ChargerLab.

mfi-2.jpg

mfi-1.jpg

This means that third-party accessory makers enrolled in the Made for iPhone program, such as Anker, Aukey, Belkin, and Incipio, should have the part necessary to create MFi-certified Lightning to USB-C cables by mid-January and, allowing time for production, could be available to purchase by February or March.

A Lightning to USB-C cable is required to fast charge the iPhone 8 and newer with an 18W-plus power adapter. Otherwise, the new C94 connector is expected to provide a maximum of 15W of power with a standard power adapter.

Apple is currently the only retailer of certified Lightning to USB-C cables at a cost of $19 for the one-meter option and $35 for two-meters in the United States. The one-meter cable was originally $25, but it received a price cut in November 2016 alongside some of Apple's other USB-C adapters and cables.

The biggest advantage to third-party Lightning to USB-C cables is that many will likely be significantly less expensive than Apple's own, while still meeting Apple performance standards under the Made for iPhone program. Many third-party options will likely have more durable designs too, such as a braided cable.

Apple first informed its Made for iPhone program members about its plans to allow third-party Lightning to USB-C cables earlier this year.

Article Link: Apple-Certified Third-Party Lightning to USB-C Cables Expected Early Next Year
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/12/04/mfi-lightning-to-usb-c-cables-early-2019/
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jayducharme said:
I never realized that Apple sold its own parts to the Made for iPhone manufacturers. So evidently the only thing that the Mfi companies make is the cable itself. Or do they make the USB-C connector too?
Click to expand...
That's why there is a shortage, because Apple has to make enough for themselves before they have enough to sell to third parties - at least according to John Gruber...
 
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Reactions: AirunJae
So, let me get this straight...
MacBook Pros have solely used USB-C ports for the last 2 years and you still need a dongle for these new $1000 iPhones because they ship with the old USB cable?
Apple makes me want to turn everything off and go to a beach.
 
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jmh600cbr said:
I've had a TB MBP for over 2 years, Apple didn't give me a free cord, so basically on top of my $2.5k+laptop they needed to steal $29 from me

Edit: (CAD $)
Click to expand...
Ridiculous... just us one of the many USB-A-lightning cords you must already have PLUS a $10.00 Adapter from Amazon (Or $19 from Apple) that you must already have if you own any USB 3.0 or 3.1 Gen 1 drives. I so really connect my iPhone to my modern MBP that a dedicated cable is a frivolous cable.
 
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The only type of usb cable i could get to work with the New iPad Pro was an Anker Cable. I tried many adapters and configurations of usb cables, even Apples USB adapter. An Apple USB C to USB A cable would be great.
 
jayducharme said:
I never realized that Apple sold its own parts to the Made for iPhone manufacturers. So evidently the only thing that the Mfi companies make is the cable itself. Or do they make the USB-C connector too?
Click to expand...

MFI (iPhone & iPod) programs are 15 years old programs now and they involve

1. Apple sells the Lightning / 30-Pin connector
2. Manufacture pays apple 10% of the sales price for every thing they sell (can't remember if it's gross or net)
3. Apple considers Apple Store placement only for accessory makers in the MFI program so that's incentive for some to participate

Here's a searchable list of MFI companies - https://mfi.apple.com/MFiWeb/getAPS

There are a lot of non-MFI cables out there but buy at your own risk. I have no issue buying cables off Amazon but I always search the list first to make sure they're MFI certified.
 
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synergize said:
Apple is a master at planned obsolescence, this provides them a continuous income stream. If you want to use Apple products you pay the price or you move on.
Click to expand...

Always love the tough talkin' can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen philosophy. If enough people complain about planned obsolescence, and it becomes a well known talking point that will affect sales, Apple will change.... Eventually.

In the meantime, get back on that saddle and hang on cowboy. More dongles are a comin'.
 
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This just confirms that the only reason for Apple to keep around the Lightning connector is to make licensing fees off Mfi and sell these parts. Frustrating to use one cable for iPhone / iPad / AirPods and another for iPad Pro / MacBook.
 
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compete12 said:
So, let me get this straight...
MacBook Pros have solely used USB-C ports for the last 2 years and you still need a dongle for these new $1000 iPhones because they ship with the old USB cable?
Apple makes me want to turn everything off and go to a beach.
Click to expand...
I'm a big Apple fan but I too have to call out these strange decisions. If Apple is killing off USB-A in favor of USB-C, they need to start including USB-C cables with their new products, and certifying third-party cables.
 
Ion-X said:
This just confirms that the only reason for Apple to keep around the Lightning connector is to make licensing fees off Mfi and sell these parts. Frustrating to use one cable for iPhone / iPad / AirPods and another for iPad Pro / MacBook.
Click to expand...

No, that would not be the only reason. Apple likes to control the whole stack so that they can make sure that a consistent product/experience is delivered to the consumer, which is why the MFi program exists. I'd imagine that while the fees are nice, they probably don't heavily factor into Apple's decisions about charging ports. I do agree though that continued use of Lightning could be a nuisance to some and I wouldn't mind if everything was on USB-C. I will also throw in that I understand why Apple might be reticent to make the iPhone USB-C, given the lack of consistent charging/data properties amongst the various USB-C types.
 
AirunJae said:
No, that would not be the only reason. Apple likes to control the whole stack so that they can make sure that a consistent product/experience is delivered to the consumer, which is why the MFi program exists. I'd imagine that while the fees are nice, they probably don't heavily factor into Apple's decisions about charging ports. I do agree though that continued use of Lightning could be a nuisance to some and I wouldn't mind if everything was on USB-C. I will also throw in that I understand why Apple might be reticent to make the iPhone USB-C, given the lack of consistent charging/data properties amongst the various USB-C types.
Click to expand...
Gruber suggested it was also to control things like battery cases that could cause interference with reception.
 
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OLDGUYWITHAHIFI said:
Always love the tough talkin' can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen philosophy. If enough people complain about planned obsolescence, and it becomes a well known talking point that will affect sales, Apple will change.... Eventually.

In the meantime, get back on that saddle and hang on cowboy. More dongles are a comin'.
Click to expand...

Sometimes this helps me deal with Apple:

Old MacDONGLE had a farm
E-I-E-I-O

And on his farm he had a dongle
E-I-E-I-O

With a dongle here
And a dongle there

Here a dongle, there a dongle
Everywhere a freaking dongle

Old MacDonGLE had a farm
E-I-E-I-O

Try it, it's good therapy, but if you cannot get the song out of your head, don't blame me, blame the (Mac)dongles.
 
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Reactions: SoN1NjA, Hank Carter, RuralJuror and 6 others
MFi Cables = Last a long time
Non MFi Cables = Last a couple of months at most

Definitely worth while spending an extra couple of dollars on MFi cables.
 
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