Fri, 01 Feb 2013 Apple Lightning to USB Cable review
Replacement for Apple's new iOS device power and syncing cable
Apple's Lightning to USB Cable is the main connection that lies between new iOS devices and a power socket, or Mac computer.
The Lightning to USB Cable replaces Apple's older 30-pin Dock Connector. It is compatible directly with all new iOS devices, so that's the iPhone 5, iPad mini, iPad 4 and iPod touch (fifth generation). Everything else uses the older 30-pin connector.
Apple moving from the old 30-pin connection to the newer Lightning socket is a tad controversial, although it has to be said that it's a step forward. Lightning is faster, has more functionality, and is crucially smaller enabling Apple to fit larger batteries or create smaller products. Apple stuck with 30-pin for almost 10 years so Lightning will presumably have a similar lifespan.
For the time being, however, you are likely to need a second Lightning to USB cable at some point. Because the older cables don't charge up the new devices, you'll probably go from having multiple 30-pin cables to just the one Lightning to USB cable that is supplied with your device.
See also: iPhone 5 Accessories
At £15 the Lightning to USB cable isn't exactly cheap for a charging cable, but it's a good investment if you've recently purchased an iOS device and want to charge from multiple locations (such as home and work). A teardown of Apple's Lightning to 30-pin adaptor shows some of the advanced technology that Apple is using in Lightning, which is partly responsible for the price. The Lightning to 30-pin Adaptor itself is £25, so it's cheaper to buy this cable than adapt an older one.
There are a number of cheaper options available on Amazon, however, starting from around £2. Although these aren't Apple or Lightning branded and tend to be from fly-by-night Chinese suppliers, so we can't vouch for their quality (check the reviews for each one to see if they're any good). Amazon has this AmazonBasics USB A to Lightning cable for £11.99 which saves you £3 on the official cable price.
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