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An Apple 8-pin connector is the connector commonly known as Lightning, Apple’s proprietary physical interface for connecting compatible devices and accessories. “8-pin” describes its contact arrangement; it does not tell you what each contact does.
What is an Apple 8-pin connector?
It is Apple’s Lightning connector. Apple describes Lightning as a physical connection for accessories to iOS and iPadOS devices, alongside the older 30-pin connector and wireless Bluetooth connections. Apple’s External Accessory documentation uses the name “Lightning” for this wired connection.
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The phrase “8-pin” refers to the connector’s eight-contact arrangement. It is an informal way to identify Lightning, rather than a different Apple connector standard.
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What does the name tell you—and what does it not?
The term identifies the connector family, but it is not a complete technical specification. The public Apple pages cited here do not provide a detailed assignment of the eight contacts, nor do they establish electrical limits or signaling speeds. Apple directs accessory makers to technical specifications through its MFi program, which covers Lightning connectors and receptacles. Avoid relying on an unofficial pinout as if it were Apple’s published specification.
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- DESIGNED BY APPLE — Ideal for charging, syncing, and transferring data, this 1-meter cable has a USB-C connector on one end and a Lightning connector on the other.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING — Use this cable with your Apple 18W, 20W, 29W, 30W, 61W, 87W, or 96W USB‑C Power Adapter to charge your iOS device and even take advantage of the fast-charging feature on select iPhone models.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX — Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable (1 m) only. Power adapter sold separately.
- CABLE LENGTH — 1 meter (3 feet).
How to choose a Lightning cable or accessory
When shopping, check both ends of the cable and the job you need it to do. A Lightning-to-USB cable has a Lightning connector at one end, while the other end may use a different USB connector. The connector at the power or data source must suit the port you intend to use. Also check cable length and whether you need charging, data transfer, or both.
| Accessory category | What to check |
|---|---|
| Apple-branded Lightning cable | Confirm the cable ends, length and intended use match your device and power or data source. Apple’s guidance on identifying its cable appearance is on its Australia-locale support page. |
| Third-party Lightning cable | Look for Apple’s MFi badge on the packaging and verify that the cable’s ends and stated use suit your setup. Apple recommends certified accessories carrying the badge. |
Apple Support warns that counterfeit or uncertified accessories may damage a device, fit poorly, become hot, be easily damaged, or fail to charge or sync. On the Australia-locale page, published June 19, 2026 according to its search result, Apple describes a genuine Lightning-to-USB cable connector as a single piece with a smooth finish and rounded, smooth, gold- or silver-coloured contacts. It also gives a 7.7 mm × 12 mm width and length for the connector boot; those measurements describe the boot on that cable, not the full Lightning connector specification. Appearance checks can help, but the MFi badge is the relevant certification cue for third-party products.
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- Use the Lightning to USB Cable to charge and sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with Lightning connector to your Mac or Windows PC.
- This USB 2.0 cable connects your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with Lightning connector to your computer’s USB port for syncing and charging. Or you can connect to the Apple USB Power Adapter for convenient charging from a wall outlet.
- USB power adapters sold separately.
- Cable Length: 1 meter or 3 feet
What MFi certification means
Apple’s MFi program provides accessory developers and manufacturers with technical specifications, hardware components and certification resources. Apple describes a process that includes product planning, development, certification and mass production, with certification approval before production and sales. A Lightning plug alone does not establish that a third-party product is MFi-certified. See Apple’s MFi program overview for its process.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Apple’s Developer accessories page, updated September 21, 2026, also lists the accessory ecosystem and program information: Accessories.
Quick Recap
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![2Pack for iPhone14/13/12 Fast Charger Cable 6ft [Apple MFi Certified], USB Type C to Lightning Cable 6 Foot Apple iPhone Charging Cord for iPhone14 13 12 Pro XR XS Plus](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31cWTG8hVDL._SL160_.jpg)
- 【Apple MFi Certified Lightning Cable】6 ft USB-C to Lightning Cable with MFi certification made for iPhone14. The latest C94 lightning connector to ensure that no warning messages pop up and is fast charging cord designed for iPhone14 pro.
- 【For iPhone14 Fast Charging Cord 】USB C to lightning cable charging your iPhone14/13/ 12 from 0% to 50% within 30 minutes. Compatible with iPhone14/iPhone14 pro/iPhone14 pro max/iPhone14 max/iPhone 13/ 13 Mini/ 13 Pro/ 13 Pro Max/ iPhone 12/ 12 Mini/ 12 Pro/ 12 Pro Max/ SE 2020/ iPhone 11/ 11 Pro/ 11 Pro Max/ XS/ XS Max/ XR/ X/ 8 Plus/ 8/ 7 Plus/ 7/ 6s Plus/ 6s/ 6 Plus.
- 【Safe & Durable iPhone Charger Cable】6ft usb type c to lightning cable fast charger was tested withstand over 20000 bends,its design makes the quick cord more durable. Each end is plastic with a soft rubber neck that helps make them grip-able as well as durable.
- 【Reliable Material 】Type c to lightning cable is features excellent pull-resistant thickened jacket, the lightning charger is more durable and sturdy. The corrosion-resistant slim connector can stand daily wear and has a long lifespan for iPhone 14.
- 【What you Get】You wiill 2 Pack 6ft usbc cable for your iphone14,iphone14 pro,iphone14 max.6ft extra long usb c to apple lightning cable.if you have any questions, please contact us ,We will reply and solve the problem for you within 24 hours.
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- Apple MFi Cerfitied Charger: Our apple charger cable compatible with iPhone 14/13/12/11/Pro/Max/Mini/iPhone XS/iPhone Max/iPhone XR/iPhone X/iPhone 8 Plus/iPhone 8/iPhone 7 Plus/iPhone 7/iPhone 6s Plus/iPhone 6s/iPhone 6 Plus/iPhone 6/iPhone 5s/iPhone 5c/iPhone 5/iPad Pro/iPad Air/Air 2/iPad mini/mini 2/mini 4/iPad 4th gen/iPod Touch 5th gen/ iPod.
- Apple chargers perfect comptibility : The Apple MFi Certified Chip Ensures That The Cable Can output Safe and effective current for the device. The iPhone charging cable is composed of high-quality copper wires, which can accept 2.4A current for fast charging and 480 Mbps/s fast data transmission.
- Reinforced Durable: Exquisite workmanship ensures 5V/2.4A(max) output.Ensures high speed charging and be tested to bend 90-degree more than 5000 times.
- Fast charging Lightning Cable: Full support with iOS versions and all future updates,Gold-plated C48 terminal and tinned copper material ensures charging performance increased by 30%,High coverage aluminum foil makes data transmission is not disturbed by external signals.
- What you get:4-Pack 3.3ft Original [Apple MFi Certified] iPhone charger cables for different occasions.Replace your phone accessories cords or add another for home, work or travel.
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- Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with Lightning connector to your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac for syncing and charging, or to your USB-C enabled iPad for charging.
- You can also use this cable with your Apple 18W, 20W, 29W, 30W, 61W, 87W or 96W USB‑C Power Adapter to charge your iOS device and even take advantage of the fast-charging feature on select iPhone and iPad models.
- USB-C power adapters sold separately.
- Cable Length: 2 meter or 6 feet
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