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Pagemakers

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Mar 28, 2008
2,907
1,203
Manchester UK
Why do the majority of iPhone 6 charger cases use Micro USB for charging? It's just another cable to carry around.

Am I missing something obvious?

Can anybody recommend a decent charger case that uses lightning for recharging?
 
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Again another cable to carry when I have a house full of lightning cables.

I have no idea why these iPhone charger cases use USB for charging. Seems odd to me. Lightning cables can be purchased for a few pounds/dollars. They are certainly not vastly more expensive than micro USB.

I can only assume it has something to do with Apple not allowing it or as Mactagonist mentioned, it's cheaper. I'm sure the demand is there because I've seen this asked more than once on the boards.
 
Link to £4 MFI lightning cable? I need an extra for in the car.
A fiver
[Apple MFi Certified] Syncwire Lightning to USB Cable - Lifetime ... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J0S6QZ6/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_VAkSvbTSD42TD
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J0S6QZ6/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_VAkSvbTSD42TD

[Apple MFI Certified] Anker Lightning to USB Cable 3ft / 0.9m with Ultra Compact Connector Head for iPhone 6 6Plus 5s 5c 5, iPad Air Air2 mini mini2 mini3, iPad 4th gen, iPod touch 5th gen, and iPod nano 7th gen (White) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K4VQZCM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_dDkSvb5MT79GT
 
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I don't think Apple has licensed the Lightning port to third-party accessory manufacturers yet, though it looks like it could be coming.

Don't expect to see it on cheap battery cases though as manufacturers will have to pay MFi licensing fees to use it.
Just ordered this. Claims to charger via lightning and gets good reviews. Cheap too!

RedSnow ® iPhone 6 4.7 Battery Power Bank Pack Case Power Supply 3200mAh (Iphone 6 BLACK) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/6042657909/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jKkSvb7N0RDHF
 
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Just ordered this. Claims to charger via lightning and gets good reviews. Cheap too!

RedSnow ® iPhone 6 4.7 Battery Power Bank Pack Case Power Supply 3200mAh (Iphone 6 BLACK) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/6042657909/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jKkSvb7N0RDHF

Neither of those manufacturers are on Apple's list of Authorized MFi Manufacturing Licensees which is probably why they are so cheap.
 
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You do realize that outside of Apple's ecosystem, micro USB is the most popular cable for mobile connectivity (as well as most electronics), in the entire world? Outside of the iPhone, nearly every single phone that exists uses micro USB. Not everyone can afford to pay nearly $1000 for a phone, especially in developing countries, so cheaper phones running Android are prevalent and make up a significant percentage of the market. Guess what charging method is standard for Android?

Also, if you havent noticed, 3rd party companies selling lightning cables need to be "Apple Certified", which costs a huge chunk of change for the advertising/licensing rights, which is why the cheapest generic micro USB is substantially cheaper than the cheapest generic lightning cable.
 
You do realize that outside of Apple's ecosystem, micro USB is the most popular cable for mobile connectivity (as well as most electronics), in the entire world? Outside of the iPhone, nearly every single phone that exists uses micro USB. Not everyone can afford to pay nearly $1000 for a phone, especially in developing countries, so cheaper phones running Android are prevalent and make up a significant percentage of the market. Guess what charging method is standard for Android?

Also, if you havent noticed, 3rd party companies selling lightning cables need to be "Apple Certified", which costs a huge chunk of change for the advertising/licensing rights, which is why the cheapest generic micro USB is substantially cheaper than the cheapest generic lightning cable.
I hear what you say but I have an iPhone and so MY needs are for an iPhone charging cable regardless of what everybody else uses.


That said I've found a battery case for £11 that uses a lightning cable and it works fine.
 
I hear what you say but I have an iPhone and so MY needs are for an iPhone charging cable regardless of what everybody else uses.


That said I've found a battery case for £11 that uses a lightning cable and it works fine.

Lol. Well, those are the answers to your original question.

The underlying point which was implied (by tone) is that companies manufacture products to make money by selling supply where there is demand; they do not exist for the sole purpose of satisfying whatever Pagemakers' wants and desires. The world does not revolve around you, nor your supposed "needs".

I am sincerely glad you found what you were looking for.
 
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Lol. Well, those are the answers to your original question.

The underlying point which was implied (by tone) is that companies manufacture products to make money by selling supply where there is demand; they do not exist for the sole purpose of satisfying whatever Pagemakers' wants and desires. The world does not revolve around you, nor your supposed "needs".

I am sincerely glad you found what you were looking for.

Exactly my thought when I read OP. I'd love to have a product that only requires me to carry one cable but in reality, there isn't enough demand for this.
 
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Why do the majority of iPhone 6 charger cases use Micro USB for charging? It's just another cable to carry around.

Am I missing something obvious?

Can anybody recommend a decent charger case that uses lightning for recharging?
Because before Apple never licensed the Lightning port to third party manufacturers so they couldn't incorporate it into the design. Recently however Apple have decided to licence the lightning port so in the future you should see battery cases with lightning cable support.
 
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Maybe because it's the standard around the world for everything and apple refuses to follow it and they change the adapter on purpose to pair it with their charger usb cables which have a half life of 2-3 months if your lucky
 
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