Lightning

Apple Lightning

Invented in

2012

Invented by

Apple

Availability

Common (declining)

Apple’s slim, reversible connector that replaced the 30-pin dock on iPhones and iPads. Eight gold contacts on a flat tab, reversible years before USB-C arrived.

Technical specifications

Introduced2012 (Apple)

SignalData + power

Pins8

StatusPhased out for USB-C

Found on

a smartphonea tablet

Recommended brands

01Apple

02Anker

03Belkin

Where to buy

Amazonamazon.it Reicheltreichelt.de

Europe-focused retailer searches. Some links are affiliate links and may earn a commission.

Common adapters and cables

USB-C to Lightning cable

Charges older iPhones from a USB-C charger.

USB-C page Amazon ↗

USB-A to Lightning cable

Older iPhone cable.

USB-A page Amazon ↗

Lightning to HDMI adapter

Mirror an older iPhone or iPad to a TV.

HDMI page Amazon ↗

Lightning headphone adapter

3.5 mm page Amazon ↗

Lightning to USB camera adapter

Plug USB accessories into an older iPhone or iPad.

USB-A page Amazon ↗

Fun fact

It was reversible from day one, a small revolution in 2012, but EU rules pushed Apple to switch new iPhones to USB-C in 2023.

Tips & tricks

Look for the 'MFi' mark to avoid cables that stop working after an iOS update.

Philosophy

A proprietary jewel of industrial design: tiny, durable, reversible. Beloved and resented in equal measure, now riding into the sunset.

Applications

DataPower