Apple's Lightning Connector Has Knock-Off Preventing Chip
Looks like we won't be seeing $2 Lightning cables anytime soon.
Credit: Apple Insider / Double Helix CablesAlong with the new iPhone and iPods unveiled earlier this month, Apple released its next-generation sync cables, the "lightning" connectors. Ditching the company's dated 30-pin model, Apple made the switch to a much smaller and more convenient connector. The problem is that users would now have to purchase a whole new collection of iPhone accessories. Even worse, it looks like budget third party providers won't be an option this time around.
According to a report from AppleInsider, Apple's new connector features an authentication chip that may indicate many of the cheap, third party cables on sale won't function properly. The folks over at Double Helix Cables took apart one of Apple's new connectors, identifying the inclusion of what appears to be an authentication chip.
"There is basically no way those are functional cables," the company explained. "You can't just build a Lightning cable by making something with the same shape and connectivity, and my teardown proves that. The chip has to be there, and it is directly in the signal path of the V+ wire."
The new information means iPhone 5 customers should be wary when purchasing budget-friendly third-party connectors. The authenticator chip means Apple is getting serious about controlling its accessory market. When the 30-pin connector first came out, Apple offered replacements for a hefty cost, something that was quickly diminished when third parties created cables for as little as a dollar a piece. Now it looks like our only choice for extra cables will be to pay the Apple premium or a similar cost from authorized accessory makers.
...said no one ever.
Lame
Lame
I heard rumors about this happening (or something like it) but it looks like it was implemented.
...said no one ever.
-SK
My brother gave me his old iPhone 3gs and I use it for video games on the couch. Same problem, again tried cheap 3rd party cords they all failed. Got a real one and it worked.
I do think this is going a bit far, but since iv been burned in the past I can kinda see where they are coming from. It weeds out the bottom feeder rip off artists.
Next: crApple docks, crApple car stereos... Anything that they can make so people can use their iPhones.
Why? Cuz if there is this chip on a cable than you can imagine that you will not be able to use docks that don't have the same chip..
Try a Sandisk next time, not much bigger, but with a hella lot more memory (16gb on board and with a micro SD slot) and it has better controls.
Really; i think it is great. Anything to show those loyal Apple clones what kind of company they are loyal too.
Can't wait to see Ford or GM to come out with a new car that uses nuts and bolts with embedded computer chips so only an authorized Ford Dealer can change your tires, your oil and the air filter.
Do I need to remember you all about the Lightning ability to dynamically address pin signal, making this port reversible and future proof? To work you need a controller chips in your cable like thunderbolt, so please cut the crap of evil Apple scheme, it's only a cable god damn.
This capability could have been built into the ports on the connected devices. Putting it on the cable is just a way to make $$$ from 5c chips.
I ditched after the iPod touch.