All the Hardware Apple Still Sells With a Lightning Port

Apple introduced the Lightning port in September 2012 with the launch of the iPhone 5. The connector was a significant change from the previous 30-pin connector used in Apple devices, offering a smaller, more efficient connection that could be inserted either way up, enhancing ease of use.

lightning connector feature blue
In September 2023, over a decade later, Apple caught up with the rest of the industry and removed the Lightning port from its flagship iPhone 15 series, replacing it with USB-C, the widely adopted standard used in electronics for connectivity and charging.

And yet the Lightning port lives on in a variety of hardware still sold by Apple. We've compiled this list of Lightning products in one place so you won't be surprised when your USB-C to USB-C cables don't fit your new purchase.

iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone SE 3
Apple introduced the third-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE in March 2022. The $429 ‌iPhone‌ comes with an A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, and Touch ID for those who prefer a Home button. And a Lightning port.

iPhone 13

Apple iPhone 13 colors lineup 2022
In 2021, Apple unveiled the ‌‌iPhone‌ 13‌ as the successor to the popular ‌‌iPhone‌‌ 12, with improved rear cameras, longer battery life, the A15 Bionic chip, and more. It starts at $599, Lightning port included.

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus

iphone 14 purple 2
The ‌iPhone‌ 14 now sits in the middle of Apple's ‌iPhone‌ lineup below the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, but above the ‌iPhone‌ SE and ‌iPhone‌ 13. The ‌iPhone‌ 13 starts at $599, and is still highly capable for everyday use, if you love Lightning ports. The ‌‌iPhone‌ 14‌ and ‌‌iPhone‌ 14‌ Plus are priced at $699 and $799, respectively.

iPad (9th generation)

ipad botw
A lower-priced alternative to the latest 10th-generation iPad, the ninth-generation ‌iPad‌ has remained on sale since September 2021 and goes for $329 - $120 less than its successor. This device sports the A13 Bionic chip and an older design with a smaller display, but the Lightning port is the same size.

AirPods Max

airpods max flat
Introduced in December 2020, the AirPods Max have now been in Apple's product lineup for three years. Apple is expected to replace the Lightning port for USB-C to comply with European regulations and for consistency across its AirPods lineup, but not until late 2024. Staying retro until then, but in a high-tech way.

Apple Pencil (1st generation)

ipadproapplepencil
There are three versions of the Apple Pencil that Apple still sells. This first version was released in 2015, the second version was released in 2018, and the third version was released in 2023. The first-generation has a Lightning adapter and charges by plugging into a lightning port on either an ‌iPad‌ or a charging adapter, the second-generation ‌Apple Pencil‌ charges wirelessly, but the latest ‌Apple Pencil‌ has a futuristic USB-C port.

Magic Keyboard

mac magic keyboard
The Magic Keyboard is sold in several variations by Apple, and all with a Lightning port for charging and connectivity. Even the newly announced M3 iMac is still accompanied by a Magic Keyboard with a Lightning port for pairing and charging, rather than USB-C as rumored.

Magic Mouse

magic mouse 2 lightning
The only mouse that insists on doing a backflip to recharge. It's almost a joke, but the $99 Magic Mouse still retains the clownish Lightning port on the underside. It's pretty amazing Apple still has this thing around, and is even prepared to ship new iMacs with one.

Magic Trackpad

magic trackpad colors
Surprisingly, a Magic Trackpad with USB-C is still a fantasy. Technically, you could always buy a MacBook, but that works out pricier.

Cables and Adapters

Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
Apple also sells a variety of cables and adapters that feature Lightning connections and ports, so keep an eye out if you're shopping Apple's accessories for your legacy devices.

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Top Rated Comments

vegetassj4 Avatar
22 months ago
lightning shmightning.....I'm still holding onto a printer with this bad boy:



Attachment Image
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
btrach144 Avatar
22 months ago
Never buying another lighting product. Literally waiting to buy an iMac until it comes with USB-C keyboard and trackpad.

It’s out of principle at this point.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the 12th Doctor Avatar
22 months ago
I'm just glad Apple is taking the right steps in cutting down eWaste like when the removed the brick. Thank god.

*Looks at the 7 lightning cables that are now useless*

"Oh those? Let me just sweep these under this rug here...annnddd there. eWaste cleared."
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shin-Ra Avatar
22 months ago
You’d think Apple would’ve taken the soonest opportunity to change the awkward, frankly ridiculous Magic Mouse design.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
augustrushrox Avatar
22 months ago
Lightning is a better design than USB-C.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
22 months ago

The Lightning port on the 2nd Generation iPad Pro did support USB 3.0.
This was done using a hack. Notice the camera adapters were the only devices to support USB 3.0. There were no lightning to USB 3.0 cables. The adapters had a chip in them that would convert a custom serial protocol from the lightning port to USB 3.0.

It really was time to move away from lightning. Moving to an industry-standard connector was the best choice. Look how many devices can plug into the iPhone 15 series. We are in a much better place now.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)