New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

Apple Will Soon Let Hardware Developers Make MFi-Certified USB-C to Lightning Cables

Wednesday September 5, 2018 11:09 am PDT by Juli Clover
Apple will soon allow hardware developers to manufacture Made for iPhone (MFi) certified USB-C to Lightning cables, reports Japanese site Mac Otakara. Apple is said to have recently informed developers who participate in the MFi program about the change.

Right now, there are no Apple-approved USB-C to Lightning cables available for purchase, which means customers who want a USB-C to Lightning cable must purchase one directly from Apple for $19. With the new MFi update, third-party hardware manufacturers will be able to create USB-C to Lightning cables.


These cables are necessary for fast charging the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and Apple's upcoming 2018 iPhones when paired with an 18W+ power adapter.

Rumors have suggested that Apple is planning to ship its 2018 iPhones with an upgraded power adapter and a USB-C to Lightning cable, enabling fast charging right out of the box with no need to make an additional purchase.

The approval of Made for iPhone USB-C to Lightning cables indicates that this rumor could be true, with Apple and third-party manufacturers starting to make a shift from standard USB-A Lightning cables to the new fast charge compatible USB-C version.

According to Mac Otakara, developers who want to manufacture a Lightning to USB-C cable will need to use a new C94 Lightning connector provided by Apple, which offers a maximum of 15W of charging with a non-fast charging compatible power adapter and 18W with a compatible power adapter.

Apple has also upgraded its other Lightning connectors, charging about 50 cents more for the new technology.
Apple plans to move C48 Lightning connector to C89 Lightning connector, C68 Lightning connector to C78 Lightning connector, ​​C12 Lightning connector to C79 Lightning connector, the price will also be about $ 0.5 higher.
Mac Otakara expects the first third-party USB-C to Lightning cables to start appearing in mid-2019.

Tags: USB-C, Lightning, MFi Program
[ 107 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
CerebralX
24 weeks ago
Apple must get rid of Lightning. It was a good replacement to the large iPod connector but since USB-C, it has been nothing but an unnecessary burden.
Rating: 31 Votes
Avatar
MakeAppleAwesomeAgain
24 weeks ago
This should have happened when they first started selling notebooks with USB-C.
Rating: 15 Votes
Avatar
macduke
24 weeks ago
Yet people keep thinking that Apple is going to switch to USB-C with the new iPhone next week. NOT GONNA HAPPEN.
Rating: 13 Votes
Avatar
H3LL5P4WN
24 weeks ago

Apple must get rid of Lightning. It was a good replacement to the large iPod connector but since USB-C, it has been nothing but an unnecessary burden.


Except that Lightning is a superior connector over USB-C, while also being smaller to boot.
Rating: 9 Votes
Avatar
aaronhead14
24 weeks ago
So ridiculous. This cable shouldn't even exist. Apple seriously needs to just embrace USB-C on their iOS devices. Lightning is so incredibly anti-consumer.
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
sualpine
24 weeks ago
Apple shouldn't have to "let" them do anything.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
iMi
24 weeks ago

Apple shouldn't have to "let" them do anything.


If Apple owns the technology and has patents, then yes -- they should let them. They own the intellectual property.
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
Pbrutto
24 weeks ago
That explains why Anker hasn’t made any yet, have been waiting almost 2 years for their high quality (and way cheaper) version!
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
kyleh22
24 weeks ago
....if only both sides were USB C
Rating: 3 Votes
Avatar
T'hain Esh Kelch
24 weeks ago

So, it's estimated to take ~9 months (till mid-2019) for 3rd parties to release these cables, even though they get the "golden" Lightning connector direct from Apple? Are these new cables each hand soldered or something? Gold plated? If you have the Apple Lightning connector in hand, all that's left is a USB-C connector and some wire, for crying out load!

Likely they have to wait for Apple to nail the MFI specs for these cables, then create the cables, then ship them to Apple for inspection, then wait for Apple to affirm them to be of proper quality, then wait for Apple to verify that their production capabilities can maintain the quality level, and then be produced in large amounts, and then shipped to stores. And I assume Apple is not fast in these matters, since they are in no rush to loose out in sales with their premium stuff.
Rating: 3 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]