We recently received this great question from Barry from Pitman, New Jersey. Here’s what he asked,
Is it true iPhones should only be charged using an Apple lightning cable?
-Barry, Pitman, NJ
While it’s not strictly necessary to use only Apple-branded Lightning cables to charge your iPhone, there are some important considerations.
Android users, see my charging cable picks here.
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Do I need to use an Apple Lightning cable?
Apple lightning cables are great for your Apple devices because you already know that the cable comes from the same company that made your device. This means you won’t have to worry about your device being incompatible with your cable, and you won’t have to worry about damage being caused to your device.
However, if you’re looking for another charging cable to use that isn’t from Apple, you have options. The biggest thing to look for in a charging cable that is not from Apple is whether or not it is MFi-certified. The MFi certification, or Made for iPhone certification, ensures that the cable meets Apple’s standards for quality and safety. This means that the cables are guaranteed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, reducing the risk of damage or charging issues.
Many third-party manufacturers produce MFi-certified Lightning cables, which are generally safe to use and often more affordable. However, using non-certified cables can be risky. They might not charge your device properly, could cause overheating, or even damage your iPhone.
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Can I use a USB-C cable to charge my iPhone instead?
For older iPhones with Lightning ports, using MFi-certified cables, whether from Apple or reputable third-party brands, is the best practice.
Starting with the iPhone 15, however, Apple has switched to USB-C ports, aligning with a common standard used by many other devices. This means you can use any USB-C cable. Although, it’s still recommended to use MFi-certified ones for the best performance and safety.
What are some top recommended MFi-certified options?
There are plenty of great MFi-certified cable options that you can purchase right now for your iPhone. Here are some of my top picks.
USB iPhone charging cables
OCEEK charging cords
Credit: Oceek
If you have an iPhone model that’s older than the iPhone 15, then this charging cable will be better suited for you. Not only is it MFi-certified, but it also supports safe high-speed 2.4A charging and fast data transfer of 480Mbps. It comes with a copper core and a smart, intelligent chip that works against overheating and overcharging during charging. At the time of publishing, this product had over 6,900 global reviews, with 74% giving it 5 stars.
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MAILESI charging cable
Credit: MAILESI
This MFi-certified charging cable works if you have an iPhone 14 or older, and it can also work on some Apple iPad and iPod models. It is made of high-quality copper wires that can charge your device quickly and safely. Plus, the wire can bend at a 90-degree angle more than 5,000 times. At the time of publishing, this product had over 17,000 global reviews, with 74% giving it 5 stars.
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USB-C to Lightning Cables
Anker 310 USB-C cable
Credit: Anker
This 310 charging cable from Anker is great for charging older iPhones, iPads, and AirPods, with a USB-C port on one end and a Lightning connector on the other. It is MFi-certified, and the cable is 6 feet long, allowing you to charge it with ample space. At the time of publishing, this product had over 3,800 global reviews, with 82% giving it 5 stars.
UGREEN USB-C
Credit: UGREEN
This cable is MFi-certified and supports power delivery and fast charging for iPhones and iPads. It has universal compatibility, allowing it to work with numerous devices, and is made with durable material. At the time of publishing, this product had over 5,500 global reviews, with 80% giving it 5 stars.
USB-A to Lightning Cables
Anker Powerline+ III
Credit: Anker
This option from Anker is a more traditional cable that can be used to charge older iPhone models. It has ultimate durability and will last 12 times longer than other iPhone charging cables. At the time of publishing, this product had over 70,000 global reviews, with 83% giving it 5 stars.
Amazon Basics cable
Credit: Amazon
This 6-foot lightning cable from Amazon is MFi-certified and can be used for reliable charging and syncing for iPhones and iPads. It can work with various older models and has both high-speed data transfer and efficient charging. At the time of publishing, this product had over 15,000 global reviews, with 79% giving it 5 stars.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The last thing you want is to cause damage to your device all because you tried using a not-so-great charging wire. These wires are not only speedy and reliable, but they’re also safe and won’t harm your phone. Let us know which charging cable you end up purchasing by commenting below.
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