Apple Updates Made For iPhone Licensing Program With USB-C Ports, Lightning to 3.5mm Output Cable

[iKnowMr.Jobs]

FINALLY!!!

Anker, please, please, please start working on this stuff now.

 

[Michael Goff]

That's what USB-C standards are for as well. Your original statement made it sound like a to-standard USB-C cable may not be able to support a iPhone or iPad at fast charging current loads.

For example, if Apple were to release an iPhone with a USB-C port that follows USB-C spec, a consumer could have almost a near certain expectation that a USB-C compliant cable would fast charge that phone as long as it was coupled with an appropriate charger.

This situation is no different than the situation with lightning today.

How often do you buy a lightning cable and not know how fast it will charge if you use your iPad power brick?

 

[Wanted797]

Let lightning die. They've already embraced USBC/Thunderbolt connector on their Macs. Bring it to iPhone and iPads. These are powerful powerful devices. Hell, just use the connector and keep call it lightning via USBC (like Thunderbolt).

Lightning will die when they remove the charge port entirely. Which is coming.

 

[se1000]

How often do you buy a lightning cable and not know how fast it will charge if you use your iPad power brick?

Never, as long as I buy a MFi cable, but I also never have a concern with USB-C if I buy a USB-C compliant cable. USB-C is actually rated for a 25% higher current load than lightning.

Are you saying there aren't any non-MFi certified cables on Amazon that may or may not work properly or may or may not support a 12W current?

 

[Michael Goff]

Never, as long as I buy a MFi cable, but I also never have a concern with USB-C if I buy a USB-C compliant cable. USB-C is actually rated for a 25% higher current load than lightning.

Are you saying there aren't any non-MFi certified cables on Amazon that may or may not work properly or may or may not support a 12W current?

So is there a nice logo for USB C compliance? I haven’t seen one.

 

[se1000]

So is there a nice logo for USB C compliance? I haven’t seen one.

Yes, yes there are. And your point is? Again, your original argument was that somehow USB-PD had any relevance to iPhone and iPad like devices (it doesn't) and also that a USB-C cable could negatively affect "fast charging", which if that definition is under 15W, then it doesn't. The minimum USB-C spec exceeds those of Lightning.

 

[VoR]

I can’t see any specs in the article or its link. I’m still waiting for (ideally) a single cable with analog audio and power and can’t work out if this is now a certifiable option.
I’ve tried a few (well, two) unbranded cables with varying levels of success but neither are reliable and neither charged very fast.
Belkin have a certified adapter but it’s hidiously expensive for what it is and trying to ignore the angry review bias against the price, seems to have its own issues with reliability.
I want to stick with analog audio but have single cable exposed for use in the car.

Saying all this, I just came across a scosche product that looks fine :
http://www.scosche.com/iphone-7-car-charger
But... Unless I’m being blind, I can’t clearly see any certification on the page and from experience, even if it worked fine at first, I’m a bit wary of the post-update “this device is not certified” type messages.

Not sure if I should get that, wait or continue buying random, brandless adapters - Pretty silly situation to be in.
[doublepost=1520893990][/doublepost]

So is there a nice logo for USB C compliance? I haven’t seen one.

Have you never seen/tried a brandless lightning cable? You get good ones and bad ones, the same as you do with with mfi certified (which should all work, just varying levels of actual quality).
It’s entirely the same thing with usb outside of the Apple bubble.

 

[Rum_Becker]

In what fantasy universe is Lightning superior to USB-C? The contacts are on the outside of the plug. This means you have a ridiculous amount of negotiation that has to happen just so you don't have hot wires exposed to shorting out all the time, and even then, you have to really wonder about the safety of leaving those exposed contacts lying around.

And it's a connector that is used exclusively by a single line of devices. You can't buy Lightning headphones unless you don't want to be able to use them with your Mac, because it doesn't have a Lightning port. Nor can you buy USB-C headphones, because you can't use them with your phone. So you end up carrying around an adapter for your mobile device — the one situation where adapters are least convenient — because there's no way to do the reverse. It's a train wreck of usability fail.

I agree with the other poster. Let Lightning die already. USB-C is a broadly supported standard, in spite of USB PD teething pains, and therefore is inherently a far better choice for mobile devices regardless of any minor technical details that might otherwise theoretically make Lightning better.

I use to think the same way as it is way superior on paper but after having a few USB-C phones already I can safely say that lightning is superior in in practice. I'm an android user but others in my house use apple and no one has any problems with lightning, even my only 6 year old iPad mini is still going strong. As for USB-C I have already gone through 2 Galaxy A5, the cable just falls out and stops charging. I have since purchased an Essential Phone which has not failed yet, but I make sure to never use the phone while plugged in as not weaken the USB-C port.

I use to **** on lightning because of its inferior specs, but in practice lightning is way more durable which is more important IMO.

 

[Michael Goff]

Yes, yes there are. And your point is? Again, your original argument was that somehow USB-PD had any relevance to iPhone and iPad like devices (it doesn't) and also that a USB-C cable could negatively affect "fast charging", which if that definition is under 15W, then it doesn't. The minimum USB-C spec exceeds those of Lightning.

My point has always been that lightning cables are more standardized than USB C.

I can’t see any specs in the article or its link. I’m still waiting for (ideally) a single cable with analog audio and power and can’t work out if this is now a certifiable option.
I’ve tried a few (well, two) unbranded cables with varying levels of success but neither are reliable and neither charged very fast.
Belkin have a certified adapter but it’s hidiously expensive for what it is and trying to ignore the angry review bias against the price, seems to have its own issues with reliability.
I want to stick with analog audio but have single cable exposed for use in the car.

Saying all this, I just came across a scosche product that looks fine :
http://www.scosche.com/iphone-7-car-charger
But... Unless I’m being blind, I can’t clearly see any certification on the page and from experience, even if it worked fine at first, I’m a bit wary of the post-update “this device is not certified” type messages.

Not sure if I should get that, wait or continue buying random, brandless adapters - Pretty silly situation to be in.
[doublepost=1520893990][/doublepost]
Have you never seen/tried a brandless lightning cable? You get good ones and bad ones, the same as you do with with mfi certified (which should all work, just varying levels of actual quality).
It’s entirely the same thing with usb outside of the Apple bubble.

I’ve never ran into a bad lightning cable because I see the three letters MFi on the box.

 

[Mac 128]

Well it's included with all iPhones that do not have a headphone jack. I think it's nice they offer a way for all those who still need this connection.

That's right. So what is this? Aren't they already making a Lightning to 3.5mm output cable in the form of the $9/free with iPhone adapter? I'm confused as to why this is news?

If this were the much needed USB-C to Lightning headphone adapter, I'd be thrilled.

3.5mm headphone jack will out live lightning. I've still not had a 3.5mm headphone port, break on me or the wire spontaneously combust just by plugging it in. Lightning ports and cables are flimsy at the best of times, yet all my vintage 3.5mm connections are still going strong. Apple might have abandoned 3.5mm jacks, but they are not going anywhere anytime soon.

And counter to your anecdotal narrative, I've never had a Lightning connector, or cable, fail on me, yet I've had dozens of 3.5mm jacks and cables break on me during my lifetime. Indeed I've read it's one of the top 5 reasons mobile phones are sent in for repair.

That said, I would likewise agree that 3.5mm will outlive Lightning, as Apple is slowly moving to a completely wireless solution for iOS devices, and will eventually remove Lightning. So there won't be any invasive ports of any kind on the iPhone. Maybe something like the Smart Connector, but that's about it.

 

[lec0rsaire]

Really too late. I already have all of the USB-C adapters and cables I need. They’re ridiculously overpriced but I prefer using the proprietary ones. They feel rock solid and I’ve never encountered an issue with any of them. I did buy everything I needed when they were on sale at the end of 2016. The normal prices are really steep.

 

[itguy06]

You go, you buy a USB C charging cable. How fast will it charge your device? Who knows! It might be able to to PD or it might not. It might fast charge and it might not. Grab a lightning cable and an iPad plug and it just works.

Have you used USB-C? I've been using it for over a year now on both my HP laptop and Android phone. I bought decent cables from reputable manufacturers (Anker and Monoprice). They will fast charge my phone (uses QC 3), connect to the computer, and charge the computer.

Let’s talk about USB PD and how it’s a mess too with the lack of universal accessibility through all USB C cables.

Now I know you don't understand this. Here's a good primer on USB PD https://www.androidauthority.com/usb-power-delivery-806266/

USB C cables will work at the lower wattages just fine. To fast charge laptop at the higher powers you need a better cable. USB-PD is all dependent on the charger. I have one from Anker for my HP and it works great.

I've used both and USB C has the advantages and lower cost.

 

[Michael Goff]

Have you used USB-C? I've been using it for over a year now on both my HP laptop and Android phone. I bought decent cables from reputable manufacturers (Anker and Monoprice). They will fast charge my phone (uses QC 3), connect to the computer, and charge the computer.




Now I know you don't understand this. Here's a good primer on USB PD https://www.androidauthority.com/usb-power-delivery-806266/

USB C cables will work at the lower wattages just fine. To fast charge laptop at the higher powers you need a better cable. USB-PD is all dependent on the charger. I have one from Anker for my HP and it works great.

I've used both and USB C has the advantages and lower cost.

You’re right. I know nothing about USB C and neither does Marco Arment who wrote the same thing I said. Neither of us have any clue what we are talking about. Just you.

 

[riverfreak]

Awesome!

Hope Anker comes out with a line of USB-C to lightning cables in different colors quick. I have a mess of indistinguishable white USB-C/USB-C, USB-C/Lightning, and USB-A/Lightning cables in my travel bag. Total headache.

 

[Michael Goff]

Awesome!

Hope Anker comes out with a line of USB-C to lightning cables in different colors quick. I have a mess of indistinguishable white USB-C/USB-C, USB-C/Lightning, and USB-A/Lightning cables in my travel bag. Total headache.

Agreed. I’ve picked up so many cables that look the same except the ends. Imagine being half asleep and trying to plug your iPhone into a USB C.

 

[Apple blogger]

Third-party MFi accessories that include Lightning ports are able to offer passthrough charging, but Apple's new specifications do not allow the USB-C port built into an accessory to be used for passthrough charging or syncing of an iOS device.

As for the Lightning to 3.5mm stereo output plug, it is designed to let users connect to a 3.5mm input using a Lightning port on an iOS device, something that was previously only possible with adapters.

I didn’t understand these 2 paragraphs.. what is a passthrough charging? And how will we connect a 3.5 mm input to a lightning port without the adapter?

 

[Michael Goff]

I didn’t understand these 2 paragraphs.. what is a passthrough charging? And how will we connect a 3.5 mm input to a lightning port without the adapter?

My best guess is that pass through charging is what the Pioneer Rayz does. It has a lightning port on the cord, allowing you to charge via cable while listening to music.

 

[MacFan23]

Agreed. I’ve picked up so many cables that look the same except the ends. Imagine being half asleep and trying to plug your iPhone into a USB C.

I still don’t really understand your point personally. If Apple released phones/tablets that work with usb c, how is that any different from them releasing macs with usb c? Aren’t the cons exactly the same?

 

[Michael Goff]

I still don’t really understand your point personally. If Apple released phones/tablets that work with usb c, how is that any different from them releasing macs with usb c? Aren’t the cons exactly the same?

I believe you’re referring to my previous posts, yes? If so, the answer to making one mistake isn’t to make more mistakes.

 

[riverfreak]

Agreed. I’ve picked up so many cables that look the same except the ends. Imagine being half asleep and trying to plug your iPhone into a USB C.

But even if you are able to identify the ends, the cables always seem to become entwined despite the best management system. I don’t know how many times I’ve dumped out the full contents of my bag just to get a stupid lightning cable. Finally bought some six inch usb-a/light omg from anker in bright red. Problem (sort of) solved.

 

[Michael Goff]

But even if you are able to identify the ends, the cables always seem to become entwined despite the best management system. I don’t know how many times I’ve dumped out the full contents of my bag just to get a stupid lightning cable. Finally bought some six inch usb-a/light omg from anker in bright red. Problem (sort of) solved.

Are the Anker cables good?

 

[mi7chy]

This is proof that 3.5mm removal was purely motivated by profit from licensing, lower manufacturing cost, lower component cost and lower cost to obtain water resistance.

 

[riverfreak]

Are the Anker cables good?

The powerline+ series is stellar. Solid, reliable, well-built with a great in-hand feel. I have a 10’ lightning cable I use daily for years. Looks brand new.

 

[MrUNIMOG]

No one's denying that. But it's not just about the connector- it's about usability. Why can't the iPhone have the same charger as the Macbook? Why can't it take the same accessories as the rest of the computer industry? What about the iPad?

Why doesn't Apple include a Lightning port on their Macbooks?

The fact is, the industry is on USB C, as is Apple for all their non-iOS devices. No we have to carry 2 chargers with us instead of one.

And technologically, USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 blow Lightning out of the water. But you know what, keep the lightning standard... just change the connector to USB-C (like they did with Thunderbolt 3),and use USB-PD.

Two cables, not two chargers.

The sooner Apple ships iPhones and iPads with Lightning to USB-C cables instead of USB-A and makes all their iPhone and iPad chargers USB-C instead of A, the better.

However, no, USB-C has no place in iPhone. Lightning is much better suited. Lightning won't be succeeded by any other port but by the removal of any ports from iPhone in a few years.

 

[H3LL5P4WN]

The ability to know what things you plug into your phone will do.

Oh, PD is great. I’d never say otherwise. The cable situation, though...

Exactly. Which is why without spending a decent amount of time to look for reliable cables, I only recommend Google's and Apple's cables (off the cuff, that is).

Yes it's nice that they are forcing you to go with a lightning to 3.5 mm adapter because they removed the 3.5mm plug. I often forget on a flight that I cannot charge my phone and listen to music via the adapter at the same time. It pays to play.



I have a pair of Amazon ones a year ago, and that still cost less than 1 Apple branded cable. They work great still. A few of my anker cables stopped working because Apple mysteriously decided the cables should all stop working at the same time. The Anker cables were about 3-4 years old.

What? LOL. Apple cables fray when you unplug them.

Well don't just yank on them like a jagoff. Grip them by the head and remove them.

Unless you're one of those "people" who don't take care of your belongings (and then whine on forums that the quality is bad). If we were talking Dock cables, especially the revised smaller Dock Connector, then yeah, the rubber shielding followed by the metal weave underneath would fray.

Modern lightning cables, and especially their USB-C cables? Yeah, don't be a jagoff.
[doublepost=1520943389][/doublepost]

That's what USB-C standards are for as well. Your original statement made it sound like a to-standard USB-C cable may not be able to support a iPhone or iPad at fast charging current loads.

For example, if Apple were to release an iPhone with a USB-C port that follows USB-C spec, a consumer could have almost a near certain expectation that a USB-C compliant cable would fast charge that phone as long as it was coupled with an appropriate charger.

This situation is no different than the situation with lightning today.

Except that USB-C is inferior to Lightning. It's larger and more fragile. And then you get into the mess with the cables that Qualcomm/Android OEMs made...
[doublepost=1520943443][/doublepost]

I could also make the same statement about lightning.

Which is why I now only buy Apple branded cables. See video above.
[doublepost=1520944138][/doublepost]

Have you used USB-C? I've been using it for over a year now on both my HP laptop and Android phone. I bought decent cables from reputable manufacturers (Anker and Monoprice). They will fast charge my phone (uses QC 3), connect to the computer, and charge the computer.

Your laptop definitely does not use Qualcomm's QC3. It uses USB-PD. So either your phone isn't quick charging, or you have some magical Shrodinger's cable that is both compliant and not compliant with the USB-PD standards.

For the record, a USB Type C connector !=

• USB 3/3.1
• USB PD
• Quick Charge
• Dash Charge
• Thunderbolt
• ???
• Profit

USB-C is simply a connector. Unless there's some magic cable that I'm oblivious to (and I don't claim to be the gods' gift to USB cables), an Anker cable that is QC 3.0 compliant will not fast charge a USB-PD device like a laptop, iPhone, Pixel, Essential, etc. In fact, the cable could potentially fry a device.

...and that actually reminds me of something. Conflicting reports say that the S9 supports PD. I can't wait to see the salt flying when all the fanbois find out their QC3 setups don't work any more.