Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector accessories

Apple recommends using only accessories that Apple has certified and that come with the "Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" logo.* Learn about the issues that counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories can cause and how to identify these accessories.

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

*Only Apple makes the USB-C to Lightning Cable. There are no "Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" USB-C to Lightning cables.

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 logo on their packaging:

 

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.

A certified, third-party Lightning to USB cable usually has company branding on the Lightning-connector end.

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 contacts

 

 

Width and length of Apple boot is consistent (7.7 mm x 12 mm)
   

Gray/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

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Risks are inherent in the use of the Internet. Contact the vendor for additional information. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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