Apple-certified Lightning to USB-C cables should be available from select third-party accessory makers starting early next year.
Last week, Apple informed members of its Made for iPhone or "MFi" licensing program that Lightning to USB-C cables for charging and syncing are now permitted to be manufactured. These cables require a new Lightning connector with part number C94, which Made for iPhone program members can now order.
Apple is selling the new Lightning connector to eligible hardware manufacturers for $2.88 per, and it is estimated to ship in six weeks, according to documentation shared with MacRumors by Hong Kong website ChargerLab.
This means that third-party accessory makers enrolled in the Made for iPhone program, such as Anker, Aukey, Belkin, and Incipio, should have the part necessary to create MFi-certified Lightning to USB-C cables by mid-January and, allowing time for production, could be available to purchase by February or March.
A Lightning to USB-C cable is required to fast charge the iPhone 8 and newer with an 18W-plus power adapter. Otherwise, the new C94 connector is expected to provide a maximum of 15W of power with a standard power adapter.
Apple is currently the only retailer of certified Lightning to USB-C cables at a cost of $19 for the one-meter option and $35 for two-meters in the United States. The one-meter cable was originally $25, but it received a price cut in November 2016 alongside some of Apple's other USB-C adapters and cables.
The biggest advantage to third-party Lightning to USB-C cables is that many will likely be significantly less expensive than Apple's own, while still meeting Apple performance standards under the Made for iPhone program. Many third-party options will likely have more durable designs too, such as a braided cable.
Thursday July 10, 2025 4:54 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive.
If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
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Transparency
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Hom...
So, let me get this straight... MacBook Pros have solely used USB-C ports for the last 2 years and you still need a dongle for these new $1000 iPhones because they ship with the old USB cable? Apple makes me want to turn everything off and go to a beach.
Always love the tough talkin' can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen philosophy. If enough people complain about planned obsolescence, and it becomes a well known talking point that will affect sales, Apple will change.... Eventually.
In the meantime, get back on that saddle and hang on cowboy. More dongles are a comin'.
Sometimes this helps me deal with Apple:
Old MacDONGLE had a farm E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a dongle E-I-E-I-O
With a dongle here And a dongle there
Here a dongle, there a dongle Everywhere a freaking dongle
Old MacDonGLE had a farm E-I-E-I-O
Try it, it's good therapy, but if you cannot get the song out of your head, don't blame me, blame the (Mac)dongles.
Apple is a master at planned obsolescence, this provides them a continuous income stream. If you want to use Apple products you pay the price or you move on.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
