If you use a counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessory, you could see these issues:
- Your iOS device could become damaged
- The cable might be easily damaged
- The connector end might fall off, get very hot, or might not fit properly into your device
- You might not be able to sync or charge your device
Compare packaging and writing on the cable
To identify counterfeit or uncertified cables and accessories, look carefully at the accessory's packaging and at the accessory itself. Certified third-party accessories have the MFi badge on their packaging:
Some accessories might have a previous version of the MFi badge:
An Apple Lightning to USB cable has 'Designed by Apple in California' and either 'Assembled in China', 'Assembled in Vietnam' or 'Indústria Brasileira' on the cable about seven inches from the USB connector. You'll see a 12-digit serial number at the end of this text.
Compare connectors and laser etchings
You can use the Lightning connector, USB connector, and laser etchings to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories. Compare the images below of certified Apple accessories and counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories. These are only a few counterfeit products. There are others.
Lightning to USB cable, Lightning-connector end
Here are examples of the Lightning-connector end of the Lightning to USB cable. The first three are Apple branded, the others are counterfeit or uncertified.
Apple-branded Lightning to USB cable
Single piece
Smooth
Rounded, smooth, gold- or silver-coloured contacts
Width and length of Apple boot is consistent (7.7 mm x 12 mm)
Grey/metallic faceplate insert
Counterfeit or uncertified Lightning to USB cable
More than one piece
Rough or inconsistent finish
Squared contacts with an uneven surface
Varying width, length or thickness
White or black faceplate insert
Lightning to USB cable, USB-connector end
Here are examples of the USB-connector end of the Lightning to USB cable. The first four are Apple branded, the next set are counterfeit or uncertified.
Apple-branded Lightning to USB cable
Interlocks on USB shell are trapezoidal
Interlocks are equally spaced from edge
USB contacts are gold-plated
USB surface is smooth and consistent
Surface of USB shell is flat
Surface of the insulator for the USB connection is uniform and flat
Counterfeit Lightning to USB cable
USB shell interlocks have right angles
Interlocks are inconsistently spaced
USB contacts are silver-plated
USB surface is rough or grainy
Surface of USB shell has a detent or retaining divot
Insulator for USB connection has notches or indents
Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
Here are examples of the Lightning to 30-pin Adapter. The first is Apple branded, the others are counterfeit.
Apple-branded Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
Icon for 30-pin dock connection is laser-etched and clear
The connection between adapter body and Lightning connector is flush
Counterfeit Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
Blurry or missing laser etching
Step-down or large notch between adapter body and Lightning connector
Differences in the appearance of the Lightning connector
Lightning to Micro USB Adapter
Here are examples of the Lightning to Micro USB Adapter. The first is Apple branded, the others are counterfeit or uncertified.
Apple-branded Lightning to Micro USB Adapter
Laser-etched USB symbol
The connection between adapter body and Lightning connector is flush
Counterfeit Lightning to Micro USB Adapter
Embossed or missing USB symbol
Step-down or large notch between adapter body and Lightning connector
Differences in the appearance of the Lightning connector