Some companies manufacture accessories that are similar to Apple Lightning accessories but aren't certified by Apple. Apple recommends using only accessories that are certified by Apple and come with the "Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" logo. Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories.
Inspect the accessory. A Lightning to USB cable manufactured by Apple has "Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China" imprinted on the cable about seven inches from the USB connector. A serial number with either 12 or 17 digits is imprinted at the end of the imprinted text.
Inspect the accessory's packaging. Certified third-party accessories have the MFi logo on their packaging.
Use the Lightning connector, USB connector, and laser etchings to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories. See the images below of genuine Apple connectors and samples of counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connectors. The counterfeit samples below are limited; there are more variants than are shown below.
This is the authentic Apple Lightning Cable.
Look closely at the Lightning connector, USB connector, and laser etchings to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories.
Inspect the Lightning to USB cable manufactured by Apple. It is imprinted "Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China" on the cable about seven inches from the USB connector. A serial number with either 12 or 17 digits is also imprinted.
Apple recommends using only accessories that are certified by Apple and come with the "Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" ("MFi") logo.
Be wary, counterfeiters will also use the "MFi" logo on counterfeit products to deceive you.
Inspect the Lightning connector end. The authentic product is a single piece, smooth and has rounded, smooth contacts.
This counterfeit is multiple pieces, has a rough finish and squared uneven contacts.
The authentic Lightning cable end has a grey faceplate insert.
This counterfeit product has a black faceplate insert. Counterfeit or uncertified products may have a black or white faceplate insert.
The contacts in the authentic Apple Lightning connector are gold plated and the USB surface is smooth and consistent.
This counterfeit connector has a rough or grainy surface and silver plated connectors.
Look at the interior of the authentic Apple USB connector -- the USB connection insulator surface is uniform and flat.
This counterfeit connection insulator features notches or indentations, and has silver contacts.
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