Apple Details How to Identify Fake Lightning Connector Accessories

Apple has updated a support document to help its customers identify knockoff or uncertified Lightning connector accessories. If customers use Lightning accessories that are not “Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad’ logo certified, they may experience the following issues:

• Your iOS device could become damaged
• The cable might be easily damaged
• The connector end might fall off, get very hot, or might not fit properly into your device
• You might not be able to sync or charge your device

Apple says genuine cables from the company will have the text “Designed by Apple in California” and either “Assembled in China,” “Assembed in Vietnam,” or “Indústria Brasileira” on the cable roughly seven inches (17.8 cm) from the USB connector.

Also, the company breaks down how to spot the differences between an Apple Certified Lightning to USB cable versus a counterfeit cable, by taking a look at the Lightning-connector end:

Other things to look for include the width and length of the Apple boot and also the faceplate insert, which is normally gray/metallic on authentic cables.

The USB-connector end can also relay details to identify knockoff cables as well. Interlocks on the USB shell are trapezoidal shaped and equally spaced from the edge, while contacts are also gold-plated and the surface is smooth and consistent.

Apple also details how to spot genuine Lightning to 30-pin adapters and Lightning to Micro USB adapters.

If you’re buying your Apple accessories from unofficial dealers or thirdparty sources, this support document is definitely worth the read here.