Anyone try a generic lightning cable yet?

**Espo** · 11-08-2012, 12:41 PM

I was 1 click away from ordering 2 generic lightning cables off eBay for my incoming iPhone 5 but a quick search on Google showed me a few articles stating the generic lightning cables will NOT work with the iPhone 5 because they are missing an AUTHENTICATION chip in them.

Is this true? Has anyone ordered a generic lightning cable off eBay or Amazon and successfully charged their iPhone 5?
What are your thoughts?

**SeanHRCC** · 11-08-2012, 12:44 PM

*edit - i misspoke, i ordered the cable adaptors, not the actual lightning cables...but looking online on eBay at the feedback these people have that are selling them, it seems people are having no trouble from the cheap ones.

**Espo** · 11-08-2012, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by SeanHRCC

*edit - i misspoke, i ordered the cable adaptors, not the actual lightning cables...but looking online on eBay at the feedback these people have that are selling them, it seems people are having no trouble from the cheap ones.

I'm going to order a cheap generic one from eBay, from a US seller and see if they work and will report back once I get it and my iPhone.
I am also going to order an authentic Apple cable just in case.

**phreddyl** · 11-08-2012, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by Espo

I'm going to order a cheap generic one from eBay, from a US seller and see if they work and will report back once I get it and my iPhone.
I am also going to order an authentic Apple cable just in case.

Please do. I am curious. I had heard that it could mess up your device. Not sure if its true but scared me enough not to try.

**Sharma15** · 11-08-2012, 01:41 PM

I ordered these ones and they work perfectly fine for me with charging and syncing. These cables would be great for dock connectors as they also require a lightning usb cable to be used.

**trmoney24** · 11-09-2012, 10:38 AM

Does the cable look just like the original cable? It looks like it in the pictures, but then I saw this "OEM" product and it looks different. Not that I care if it looks slightly different since it works. Just curious.

I think I might go for this 6' cable:

**ric3621** · 11-10-2012, 09:43 PM

picked up one on ebay works just like the oem ones

can't post link. also do not buy this one, just found out it will not sync with itunes charges fine but will not sync

**phreddyl** · 11-11-2012, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by ric3621

picked up one on ebay works just like the oem ones

Can you provide a link to it

**tardbag** · 11-15-2012, 07:35 PM

I ordered a few generics on eBay. They work fine. Charges and recognized by Windows 7 and Mountain Lion. Works fine in any computer and/or Apple USB power cubes as well.

Most of the generics on eBay, etc. do not look like the OEM Apple version. The Apple version has an extremely thinned out USB connector (there's barely any plastic on the connector, in comparison to older 30-pin USB cables). These generics take the original USB plug (standard on older iPhones) which has slightly thicker plastic, and the lightning plug is boxy, and not oval-shaped like Apple has made them. If you could care less about cosmetics, they serve their purpose well. If you're like me and want to get cheap cables that are as close to genuine as possible, I found some that contain the oval-shaped lightning plug; the only difference is the USB label on the USB plug is in slightly darker ink- who cares-it works.

Here is what I got. 12 bucks apiece, USA shipping, oval-shaped like Apple. Sync charge and everything in-between. Hope this helps.

[url]www.ebay.com/itm/8-Pin-Lightning-to-USB-Charger-Cable-for-iPhone-5-5G-iPod-Touch-5th-Nano-7th-Gen-/230878505061?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item35c16e686 5[/url]

**BBDJ** · 11-29-2012, 08:50 AM

Hi Im New to the site

I was so impressed with this i thought i'd let others now.

Bought mine yesterday it arrived today - only £3.99 and it charges and syncs data perfectly

[url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AEQ8W6O]8 Pin Lightning to USB Data Sync and Charge Cable for: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics[/url]

cheers

**sj-performance** · 11-29-2012, 10:07 AM

ordered 2 from ebay at $6.5 each shipped. working fine. data and charging working fine. charging times are the same like OEM. I don't see no difference just that its not oem and cheaper. Ive always used aftermarket cables from ebay to charge my many blackberrys devices/laptops/iphones/ipads...have never encountered any problems.

**Fausty82** · 11-30-2012, 07:48 PM

First Round Of Third-Party Lightning Cables Are Coming From Griffin

Griffin is officially the first legit accessory maker to sell third-party Lightning-to-USB cables. Several have already come out, but no alternative sync cables. Griffin will start selling Apple-authorized Lightning cables during the first week of December in four different lengths.
Lightning isn’t cheap, so you’ll be paying a minimum of $17 for the shortest cable Griffin offers.
The 4 measurements: 2 feet for $17, 3 feet for $19, 4 feet for $25, and a healthy 3 meters for $30. All come in black and the 2 footer is coiled. For comparison, Apple sells its for $20 and in white only.
These cables should be available on Griffin’s website towards the beginning of next week.

Read more at

**bandityo** · 11-30-2012, 08:08 PM

Griffins arent really a money savings...pass! I have two from Boxwave that work fine more than half the price.....thanks but no thanks Griffin...not a big enough savings

**Alli** · 11-30-2012, 10:02 PM

Last year I purchased a Griffin power/sync for my iPhone 4S and it didn't work, so it's definitely not a money saver. I was very disappointed.

**Espo** · 11-30-2012, 10:33 PM

Wanted to give an update.
I purchased this one off eBay

I got it within a week and it works flawless.
My only gripe is the plastic surrounding the lightening connector is larger than the oem apple and It doesn't fit in some cases. It works fine with the case I am using daily now (MacAlley), plus I bought it for my car so it does the job.

I am now in the hunt for a 6' or 10' lightening cable.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

**phreddyl** · 12-01-2012, 06:52 AM

I bought one off eBay. Seller good ratings but it was a tight fit it plug in and felt cheap. Plastic surrounding connector was loose. I returned it. Not worth messing up my phone.

**mmaheshwary** · 12-06-2012, 02:01 PM

I have been looking for generic cables too. Has anyone tried this?

**Spat** · 12-06-2012, 04:00 PM

I bought a Griffin car charger and it works fine. I know, not cheap but really needed one.

**Espo** · 12-29-2012, 11:41 PM

Update. My 'generic' eBay cable does no longer charge my phone or ipad. I was getting a "this accessory does not work" message and them boom, nothing.

If you want my opinion, just spend the $ and get the oem apple cable.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

**ZOFOURTWENTY** · 12-30-2012, 01:06 AM

I need two extra cables, 1 for the car and another to keep in my living room so I don't have to carry the original all over the house. I've been hearing people tell me the eBay generics are not worth it. My brother bought 3 cables and none of them charge or sync anymore. I think I'm going to have to just spend the $19 and carry that one back and forth or just spend the money and just get the 2 I need

**3cit** · 12-30-2012, 02:01 AM

Got on on amazon for 8 bucks with prime... Two weeks later still works... Who knows how long it lasts?

**Alli** · 12-30-2012, 10:05 AM

I bought three cables from Amazon.com: USB lightning cable for iphone 5: Cell Phones & Accessories for $2.58. Also bought a 30 pin to lightning adapter Amazon.com: Generic Lightning to 30 pin Adapter High Quality for Apple iPhone 5 - OEM: Cell Phones & Accessories for $5.45. They are all working great. I wound up repeating the order so that I can keep cables everywhere.

They took a while to arrive from China, but I'm very happy so far.