As noted by Life On My Mobile, the first beta version of iOS 7 includes a system for warning users when they are using unauthorized cables or accessories with their devices. The software does not, however, prevent the cables or accessories from functioning.

Apple has added a warning when you plug an unauthorized charge / sync Lightning cable into your iPhone 5. The popup message states “This cable or accessory is not certified and may not work reliably with this iPhone.”

ios_7_unauthorized_cable_accessory
Unauthorized Lightning cables and docks quickly entered the market after the new connector standard was introduced in the iPhone 5, driven by shortages of Apple's official Lightning cables and slow progress in bringing official third-party manufacturers on board. Availability of certified Lightning cables and accessories has since broaden significantly through Apple's MFi Program, but unauthorized parts remain on the market.

Apple's Lightning connectors use several chips to manage dynamic pin assignment for the diminutive connector, chips which also allow Apple to recognize whether the connectors come from authorized channels.

Related Forum: iOS 7

Top Rated Comments

Blorzoga Avatar
154 months ago
I suggested this idea myself and Im glad they put it in, because I am sick to death of people buy fake Lightning cables that may not be guaranteed to work properly beyond charging and may short out the phone as well. This naturally won't be covered under warranty. Its well known if the make of the cable is not MFI certified, these may cause damage to the phone, especially with voltage. All these fools buying $2 cables which are obvious fakes and don't have the genuine authentication chip, should be immediately excluded from any technical support in any manner if not using genuine cables.
You're "sick to death" of people buying fake cables? Why do you care? How does it affect you?
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Blorzoga Avatar
154 months ago
Good, should make some users think twice about buying a $1.99 cable that might fry their device, or burn down their house.

You paid $400+ for your device, a $20 cable is hardly being robbed.

That's a ridiculous comment. If someone buys a cheaper cable, they do it at their own risk. No need for Apple to scold them. Just another way to get people to overpay for Apple accessories.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ENduro Avatar
154 months ago
Can't keep fleecing customers my ass!

I've got 4, including two great travel/car retractable cables and got some for a lot of the people at work. No problems. Stop being so greedy, it's enough you're hoarding money overseas.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BlueHedgehog Avatar
154 months ago
Seven iOS versions...and we still have notification popup boxes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
inlinevolvo Avatar
154 months ago
Good, should make some users think twice about buying a $1.99 cable that might fry their device, or burn down their house.

You paid $400+ for your device, a $20 cable is hardly being robbed.

I think it's akin to the genetic vs monster hdmi cables. Yea, it's highway robbery.

For the record I use micro usb lightning adaptor that I got from china for 4 bucks shipped. Works great to charge my phone in the car.

This is also no different than my honda dealer telling me to use genuine honda oil filters, which are re labeled fram filters. No thanks.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jahsavi Avatar
154 months ago
Yeah it's very annoying.. I have two "Apple" lighting cables and 3 non-apple. It's even doing it on my one officially licensed cable as well. Not happy, hope I can turn it off on the final version.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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