iPad Pro contains USB 3.0 controller, hints at ultra-fast Lightning connector

A day after iPad Pro launched on Wednesday, teardowns and reviews of the gigantic tablet reveal Apple quietly included USB controller hardware capable of supporting high-speed USB 3.0 data connections, suggesting a faster Lightning protocol is in the works.

Mikey Campbell 10 years ago 41

Lightning strikes: Apple TV, Apple Pencil double down on proprietary port

The announcement of the new reversible USB-C port, and its subsequent embrace by Apple in the 12-inch MacBook, led to speculation that the Lightning connector could be on the way out. But the company signaled otherwise this week, when it made Lightning a key component of the new Apple Pencil, as well as the Apple TV's Siri Remote.

Neil Hughes 10 years ago 78

Apple adds new Lightning dock for iPhone 6, 6 Plus

Alongside updates to its MacBook Pro and Retina iMac lines, Apple on Tuesday released a small but long-anticipated accessory for iPhone owners with an all-new Lightning dock designed to work with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Sam Oliver 11 years ago 37

Lightning-connected headphones proliferate with new models from Philips and JBL

Six months after Apple first announced a program that would allow headphone manufacturers to connect their cans directly to an iOS device's Lightning port, the first models to take full advantage of the Lightning port's capabilities are being shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Sam Oliver 11 years ago 22

Griffin shows off $30 Lightning cable with reversible USB plug, coming in March

At CES this week, Griffin Technology took the wraps off a new USB-to-Lightning cable with a twist — the USB Type A plug can be inserted in either orientation, just like Apple's own Lightning connector.

Victor Marks 11 years ago 25

uNu's iPhone 6 battery cases provide affordable power on the go

Among a number of new Lightning-connected iPhone 6 battery cases unveiled at CES this week, AppleInsider found a more affordable option in uNu's lineup, which starts at $59.99 for the company's forthcoming extended battery case.

Victor Marks 11 years ago 5

SanDisk launches portable storage drive with built-in Lightning connector

SanDisk on Thursday announced the new iXpand Flash Drive, the company's first USB flash drive designed specifically for Apple's iPhone and iPad, featuring a dedicated Lightning connector for transferring files on the go.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 34

Philips announces Fidelo M2L, the first-ever Apple Lightning headphones with 24-bit DAC audio

The first-ever Lightning-connected headphones for iOS devices are coming from Philips, offering 24-bit digital to analog conversion thanks to the use of Apple's proprietary connector.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 29

Questionable leaks raise hopes that Apple will release new Lightning cable with reversible USB connector

Reversible male "Type-A" USB plugs are not new, but they also aren't compliant with the cable's official specifications, which means that newly leaked Lightning cables showing reversible USB connectors probably were not made by Apple.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 52

Lightning headphones could allow Apple to make slimmer iPhones by ditching 3.5mm headphone jack

A new program designed to allow third-party manufacturers to build headphones that would connect to an iOS device via the Lightning port, rather than the legacy 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, could mean that the latter's days in Apple's supply chain are numbered.

Sam Oliver 12 years ago 206

Apple announces Lightning-enabled headphone standard in WWDC session

During a WWDC session earlier this week, Apple revealed a new Lightning module for headphones that promises to provide deeper system controls, direct analog audio out and power to compatible accessories.

AppleInsider Staff 12 years ago 48

Review: Nomad ChargeKey, a keychain-sized Lightning cable

The quest to have a Lightning cable on you at all times, ensuring the latest Apple iOS devices can be charged in a pinch, just got easier with the launch of the new Nomad ChargeKey — an affordable, super-portable Lightning-to-USB cable that performs exactly as advertised.

Neil Hughes 12 years ago 19

Hands-on: Kyte&Key braided leather & aluminum Apple-certified Lightning cables

Kyte&Key is the manufacturer of premium, Apple-approved Lightning cables featuring unique construction crafted out of braided leather and aluminum. AppleInsider offers a closer look at their products from the floor of this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

Victor Marks 12 years ago 17

Next-gen USB connector a reversible challenge to Apple's Thunderbolt & Lightning

The USB Implementers Forum on Wednesday announced that the USB 3.1 specification will bring with it a new style of connector that can be plugged in in any orientation and will support future USB technologies like USB Power Delivery, high-speed data transfer, and video-over-USB.

Shane Cole 12 years ago 69

First look: Redesigned ChargeCard, the ultrathin USB-to-Lightning charging cable

The ChargeCard USB-to-Lightning accessory has seen a slight redesign with subtle improvements intended to make it more durable and easier to use. Here's a first look and quick overview of the brand new ChargeCard from Nomad, as well as a glimpse at the company's upcoming ChargeKey.

Neil Hughes 12 years ago 20

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