Lightning: Apple's Older iPhone Connector
Where Lightning came from
Wikipedia dates Lightning to 12 September 2012, when the iPhone 5 launched with it in place of the older 30-pin dock connector. It describes a plug with eight pins, about 6.7 mm by 1.5 mm, which is much smaller than the connector it replaced. Like USB-C, it can be inserted either way up.
Unlike USB-C, Lightning is not a USB-IF standard. It is Apple’s design, and Apple controls which accessories are approved to use it.
What does a Lightning cable do?
According to Apple’s page on the USB-C to Lightning cable, it can charge AirPods, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch from a USB-C port, sync an iPhone or import photos from a Mac or PC, charge a Siri Remote, and let an iPhone act as a Personal Hotspot.
How fast is Lightning?
Wikipedia says most Lightning devices support USB 2.0, which tops out at 480 Mbit/s. It notes only a few iPad Pro models reached USB 3 speed of 5 Gbit/s, and only through a special camera adapter. Apple’s own adapter page agrees with the iPhone figure: it lists data transfer of up to 480Mbps (USB 2) over its adapter with a Lightning cable.
| Lightning | Typical USB-C on a recent phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Plug pins | 8 | 24 |
| Introduced | 2012 | Specification published 2014 |
| Data speed on iPhones | USB 2, up to 480 Mbit/s | USB 2 on some phones, faster on others |
| Reversible | Yes | Yes |
The USB-C vs Lightning page compares them in detail.
Which charger should I use?
Apple says certain iPhone models are fast-charge compatible with certain USB-C power adapters when used with this cable. It also warns that you might not be able to charge an iOS device with USB-C power adapters that are not made by Apple. See the wattage guide and the guide to which charger is safe.
Why third-party cables can be hit or miss
Lightning plugs contain an authentication chip. Wikipedia says this makes it hard for other manufacturers to build compatible accessories without Apple’s approval, and that Apple runs a licensing program called MFi (Made for iPhone) to vouch for accessory quality. It also notes that some third parties have found ways around the protection. For Lightning, the safest choice is a cable that carries the MFi mark or comes from Apple. Our cable buying safety guide covers the wider checklist.
Lightning accessories on a USB-C iPhone
Apple sells a USB-C to Lightning adapter for iPhone and iPad models with a USB-C connector. It connects a Lightning accessory for charging, data and audio. Apple gives it a maximum of 24W when charging, and says data over the adapter and a Lightning cable runs at up to 480Mbps (USB 2).
The move to USB-C
Wikipedia says the iPhone 15, released in September 2023, was the first iPhone with USB-C, following European legislation that standardised charging ports, and that by February 2025 every iPhone model Apple sold had switched. The Irish government’s notice on the EU directive says phones sold in the EU must use USB-C from 28 December 2024. In our library, only the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 still use Lightning.
Should I keep my Lightning cables?
- If your phone is an iPhone 14 or older, yes. It needs Lightning.
- If you own a newer iPhone, a USB-C cable is the right one for the phone itself.
- Keep a Lightning cable or Apple’s adapter if you still have older accessories, such as a car dock or an older pair of earbuds with a Lightning plug.
- Replace frayed cables. A damaged cable is not worth the risk, whatever the connector.
Related
USB-C, USB-C vs Lightning, Micro-USB, Apple hub, all cables.