Lightning (connector)

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Lightning

Top down view of a Lightning cable, showing the eight-pin connector
Type Data and power connector
Production history
DesignerApple Inc.
Produced2012 (introduced)
Superseded30-pin dock connector
General specifications
Pins8
Pin out
Receptacle View
Pin 1GNDground
Pin 2L0plane 0 positive
Pin 3L0nlane 0 negative
Pin 4ID0identification/control 0
Pin 5PWRpower (charger or battery)
Pin 6L1nlane 1 negative
Pin 7L1plane 1 positive
Pin 8ID1identification/control 1
Two differential pair lanes (L0p/n and L1p/n) may swap in IC of device connector (lanes don't swap if accessory identification chip connect to ID0 pin)

Lightning is a proprietary computer bus and power connector created by Apple Inc. to replace its previous proprietary 30-pin dock connector, used to connect Apple mobile devices like iPhones, iPads and iPods to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers and other peripherals. Using eight pins instead of thirty, Lightning is significantly more compact than the 30-pin dock connector and can be inserted with either side facing up. However, it is incompatible with cables and peripherals designed for its predecessor, unless used with an adapter. It was introduced in 2012, and is used by the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, 5th generation iPod Touch, 7th generation iPod Nano, all iPad Minis, the 4th generation iPad and the iPad Air.

History

The Lightning connector was introduced on September 12, 2012.[1] The connector was introduced as a replacement for the 30-pin dock connector for all new hardware that was announced at the same event. Devices that were initially compatible with the connector were the iPhone 5, iPod Touch (5th generation), and the iPod Nano (7th generation).[2] The iPad (4th generation) and the iPad Mini were added as Lightning devices in October 2012[3][4] and in 2013 Apple released the Lightning-equipped iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPad mini with retina display and the iPad Air.

Technology

Lightning is an eight-pin connector which carries a digital signal. It is non-directional and can be inserted into the device with either side facing up or down. Apple offers various adapters between the Lightning and other interfaces such as Lightning to Apple proprietary 30 pin, Lightning to universal serial bus (USB) as well as accessories to interface with high-definition televisions, VGA monitors, Secure Digital (SD) cards and SD card reader. The Lightning to 30-pin adapter supports only a limited subset of the available 30 pin signals: USB data, USB charging, and analog audio output.

Inserting the plug in one orientation is not electrically equivalent to inserting it the other way around (it is not palindromic). The plug itself incorporates a processor which detects the plug's orientation and routes the electrical signals to the correct pins.[5] Official Lightning connectors contain an authentication chip that makes it difficult for third-party manufacturers to produce compatible accessories without being approved by Apple.[6] Nevertheless, Chinese company iPhone5mod began selling an iPhone 5 dock charging station in October 2012 and claimed that it could "bypass Apple's authentication functions" using "cracked chips".[7] iOS 7 enforces a block on any Lightning plug that is not authorized by Apple.[8]

In December 2012, Belkin became the first 3rd-party company to start selling lightning accessories (their line started with a car charger and dock).

Reception

Apple Lightning to USB Cable (MD818)

Lightning received mixed reactions from press and users after its release, some praising its improved functionality[9] and smaller size compared to its predecessor,[10] with others noting that accessories for previous iPod, iPhone and iPad models were incompatible with the new connector.[11][12][13] Still others criticized Apple's decision to create a new proprietary connector rather than incorporate the Micro-USB connector supported by most competitive low power mobile devices[14][15] although some observers pointed to perceived advantages of Lightning over micro USB.[11][16][17][18][19][20] Both critics and supporters pointed to the fact that Apple will likely continue to control accessory quality, availability and features as well as generate revenue through ‘Made for iPhone’ / Lightning licensing.[21][22][23]

Apple requires all production of Lightning-based accessories to occur in Apple-approved factories which must comply with Apple's supplier code of conduct.[24][25] Some critics suggested this was done so that Apple can "continue to charge a premium on its own Lightning cables and adapters,"[22] while others suggested this was done "to influence more companies to behave ethically on worker rights, environmental issues and more."[25]

Lightning vs Micro-USB

Lightning (left), USB 3.0 micro-B, USB (2.0) micro-B, and USB mini-B (right) plugs
Lightning Dock for Apple Products

Regarding universality and number of products - Lightning is only used in Apple products, and is proprietary. Generally every other manufacturer of smartphones, excluding some GSM-only mobile phones and probably existing short test-series use Micro-USB. ComScore found Apple adding to its dominant U.S. smartphone market lead with over 40 percent of all subscribers[26] iPods and those iPads that are WiFi-only are not included in this figure, but still use Lightning. According to Q3 2013 IDC results, however Android based have 81%, iOS have 12.9%. This means with summary of other main players that about only 1 in 7 sold phones have Lightning. Others have (in nearly every case) Micro-USB, especially if it is smartphone or device with more options than classic mobile phone. In the tablet market, Apple have a higher market share (around 30%).[27][28][29][30]

Although Apple has not commented publicly, there are several reasons suggested by industry observers as to why Apple chose to develop Lightning instead of using micro-USB. Most of these center around the perceived advantages to users or to Apple of Lightning over micro-USB:[11][16][17][18][19][20][23]

  • Power Capacity The micro-USB port is limited to 9 watts of power.[citation needed] This is sufficient to charge a phone, but not larger items like tablets. The charger for the iPad delivers 12 watts; it is unknown if this is the upper limit for Lightning.
  • Bidirectional Power USB supports power in only one direction.[citation needed] The Lightning port can either charge an iDevice, or allow the iDevice to power accessories such as the HDMI connector. While the optional supplement USB On-The-Go allows some USB devices to do this, few phones (as of November 2013) support this, and it is difficult to figure out which devices are compatible with USB OTG.[31]
  • Bidirectional Hosting Similar to above, (including the USB On-The-Go caveat)[citation needed] an iDevice is a client, when hosted by a computer, but becomes the host itself when accessories such as stereo docks, or card readers are used.
  • Non-Obsolescence Intel has already replaced the micro-USB connector with the USB 3.0 Micro-B connector,[citation needed] [32] and is developing yet another connector to replace that.[33] Those new connectors are required to achieve USB 3 speeds from a hard drive, but being larger or different, can not be used to charge a micro-USB 2 phone.[32] Apple on the other hand, designed Lightning to be adaptable to new technologies without physical changes.[citation needed]
  • Durability The Lightning plug is a solid slab. Micro-USB is a hollow envelope that "is notoriously fragile"[11][34][35] although neither of the connectors has been classified as "rugged" or "ruggedized" as the term is sometimes used for computer hardware.[citation needed][36]
  • Reversibility The ability of a Lightning plug to be inserted in either direction is seen as a convenience advantage and also reduces wear from attempts to insert the plug upside down.[16][20][23][37] If a pin on one side of a Lightning plug is damaged, it will continue to work if inserted in the other direction.[citation needed]
  • Use as physical mount / dock connector Many devices use the Lightning port as a physical mount to hold the phone or iPad in place. While the specification for the Micro-USB 3.0 connector allows this, very few phones (as of November 2013) have the larger connector needed to fit on to such a device.[citation needed]
  • Quality Control / Authentication Apple can resist the introduction into the market of badly made accessories from third parties. Some unauthorized devices do exist however.[19][20]
  • Availability While scarce at introduction, Lightning accessories and adapters are still not widely available as many 3rd companies appear to be forgoing upgrading hardware for the new connector.[citation needed] In many cases require a 30 pin to lightning adapter from Apple, but these may not work with the latest 5C and 5S models of iPhone.[citation needed]
  • Revenue With Lightning Apple can collect licensing fees.[23]

Lightning vs USB Type-C

In December, 2013, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced a new "USB Type-C" specification, "expected to be published by the middle of 2014"[38][39] - although it is presumed that, "Products using the [type C] connector won’t appear for another 18 months or so after that."[40] As listed by the Promoter Group, the key characteristics of USB type C are similar to many Lightning characteristics/differences/perceived advantages when compared with existing USB micro type A/B connectors. The announced type-C, "Key characteristics…include:[41]

  • An entirely new design…" [Type-C plugs/sockets will not be (mechanically) backward compatible with current/previous USB connectors. "The Type-C specification, will define passive…adapters to allow users to use their existing products"[41]]
  • "New smaller size - similar...to the existing USB 2.0 Micro-B" [and therefore also similar to the existing Lightning connector]
  • "Usability enhancements – users will no longer need to be concerned with
    • plug orientation…" [The type-C connector, like Lightning, will be 'reversible']
    • [or] "cable direction…" [The type-C connector will support bi-directional hosting - presumably via mandatory USB OTG support - eliminating the need for different type A ("Host") and type B ("Peripheral") connectors.]
  • "…scalable power charging" [like Lightning, USB type-C promises higher electric current handling capabilities - reportedly through support of the existing USB Power Delivery specification.[42]]
  • "Scalability – the connector design will scale for future USB bus performance"[41]

Trademark

On November 25, 2012, Apple acquired the “Lightning” licensing trademark from Harley-Davidson.[43]

iPhone charging port controversy in Europe

Although Apple smartphones are compatible with "chargers" that conform to the European common External Power Supply (EPS) standard, Apple does not include a micro-USB charging port on their mobile phones.[44][45][46] A micro-USB-to-Lightning adapter or the supplied USB-to-Lightning cable is required to connect Apple's iPhones with a common EPS or to any other USB port/charger/power supply. In a 2013 amendment to a "Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament … relating to ... radio equipment" the European Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection included a recommendation for "…A renewed effort to develop a common charger...". The amendment does not specify if the "common charger" being proposed (that would apply to many other types of "radio equipment" beyond smartphones) would be the same as the current European common EPS or something new/different. The proposal also does not indicate whether - like the common EPS standard - the use of connector adapters would be accepted for compliance. Some observers believe adapters would not be acceptable - requiring Apple to provide phones in Europe with a charging port different from the current Lightning port.[47][48][49][50] The European Parliament is expected to sign the proposal into law in March, 2014. Once signed into EU law, member states will then have two years to transpose the new regulations into national laws and manufacturers will have an additional year after that to comply.[51][52]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Pollicino, Joe (September 12, 2012). "Apple's September 12th event roundup: iPhone 5, new iPods, iOS 6, Lightning and everything else". Engadget. Retrieved October 5, 2012. 
  2. ↑ Dillet, Romain (September 12, 2012). "The iPhone 5 Comes With The New "Lightning" Connector". TechCrunch. Retrieved September 27, 2012. 
  3. ↑ Schultz, Marianne (October 23, 2012). "Apple Announces Fourth-Generation iPad with Lightning Connector, New A6X Chip". MacRumors. Retrieved December 2, 2012. 
  4. ↑ "iPad mini Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. December 2, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2012. 
  5. ↑ Hughes, Neil (2012-09-25). "Apple's Lightning port dynamically assigns pins to allow for reversible use". Appleinsider.com. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  6. ↑ Foresman, Chris (October 3, 2012). "Apple revising MFi program to limit third-party Lightning accessories". Ars Technica. Retrieved October 3, 2012. 
  7. ↑ Foresman, Chris (October 9, 2012). "Apple's Lightning authentication allegedly broken by Chinese manufacturers". Ars Technica. Retrieved October 9, 2012. 
  8. ↑ "Apple blocks unauthorized Lightning cables with iOS 7". PhoneArena. Retrieved 22 September 2013. 
  9. ↑ Etherington, Darrell (September 12, 2012). "Apple's New Lightning Connector: What It Does And Doesn't Change". TechCrunch. Retrieved September 27, 2012. 
  10. ↑ Lowensohn, Josh (September 14, 2012). "iPhone 5 buyers face Lightning cable, adapter scarcity". CNET. Retrieved October 4, 2012. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Perlow, Jason (November 3, 2012). "Oh Apple Lightning connector, how do I love thee?". ZDNet. Retrieved April 11, 2013. 
  12. ↑ Lendino, Jaime (November 6, 2012). "Apple's Lightning Connector: What You Need to Know". PCmag. Retrieved April 11, 2013. 
  13. ↑ Shankland, Stephen (September 12, 2012). "Apple iPhone 5 gives the world a new connector: Lightning". CNET. Retrieved April 11, 2013. 
  14. ↑ Yegulalp, Serdar (September 25, 2012). "Apple's Proprietary Lightning Beats Standard Micro-USB Mobile Connector". InformationWeek. Retrieved September 27, 2012. 
  15. ↑ Williams, Alun (September 24, 2012). "Apple's new Lightning connector splits opinion". Electronics Weekly. Retrieved September 24, 2012. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 "Hardware comparison: Lightning connector vs MicroUSB connector". pocketables.com. 2012-12-20. Retrieved 2013-10-18. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Apple's Phil Schiller explains new 'Lightning' port,...". engadget.com. 2012-09-12. Retrieved 2013-10-26. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Apple's Lightning Connector Uses Adaptive Technology to Dynamically Assign Pin Functions". macrumors.com. 2012-09-25. Retrieved 2013-10-26. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 "Why Apple Couldn’t Go to Micro USB Charging". techpinions.com. 2012-09-16. Retrieved 2013-10-18. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 "Engineer explains why Apple went with Lightning instead of Micro USB". idownloadblog.com. 2012-09-14. Retrieved 2013-10-18. 
  21. ↑ "Don't expect cheap knockoffs of Apple's iPhone 5 chargers". CNN Money. October 2, 2012. Retrieved October 27, 2013. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Apple tightens terms for ‘Made for iPhone’ Lightning accessories". October 3, 2012. Retrieved October 27, 2013. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 "Design, money, control, why Apple went with Lightning over micro USB". gigaom.com. 2012-09-14. Retrieved 2013-10-18. 
  24. ↑ "Apple tightens MFi rules, stalls 3rd-party Lightning add-ons". ilounge.com. 2012-10-03. Retrieved 2014-01-04. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Made For iPhone manufacturers may have to comply with Apple's supplier responsibility code". tuaw.com. 2012-11-08. Retrieved 2014-01-04. 
  26. ↑ "Apple still dominates US smartphone market, Samsung inches up". Appleinsider.com. 2013-12-05. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  27. ↑ Protalinski, Emil (2013-11-12). "Q3 2013: Android Hit 81.0% Smartphone Share, iOS Fell to 12.9%". Thenextweb.com. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  28. ↑ 10/24/09 9:00am 10/24/09 9:00am. "United Nations Approves MicroUSB Universal Phone Charger Standard". Gizmodo.com. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  29. ↑ 2/17/09 5:40am 2/17/09 5:40am. "Cell Phones to Get Universal Charger". Lifehacker.com. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  30. ↑ "Apple Continues To Lose Tablet Market Share But Should Rebound With The Air". Forbes. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  31. ↑ "c|net: Clever adapter connects USB accessories to your Android device"
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "USB 3.0 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia". En.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  33. ↑ "Hardware comparison: Lightning connector vs MicroUSB connector". www.pocketables.com, Retrieved December 20, 2012
  34. ↑ "Zollotech: Lightning Cable - Worth The Change?". www.pocketables.com, Retrieved December 20, 2012
  35. ↑ "Fischer Connectors - Rugged and Secure Connectors for Military Applications". Army Technology. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  36. ↑ Market importance of 'connector reversibility' was proven by USB group, because in response they are working on a new (USB-C) connector standard that would allow reversibility. , Polish student Jędrzej Blaut invented similar for mainly USB classic pendrive devices, which allow similar functionality, however it is not designed for Micro-USB.
  37. ↑ "New USB Type-C connector is smaller, reversible, supports USB 3.1". arstechnica.com. 2013-12-04. Retrieved 2013-12-31. 
  38. ↑ "With new USB connector, no more wrong-way-up cables". cnet.com. 2013-12-04. Retrieved 2013-12-31. 
  39. ↑ "Lightning strikes USB bosses: Next-gen jacks will be REVERSIBLE". theregister.co.uk. 2013-12-05. Retrieved 2013-12-31. 
  40. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 "Next Generation USB Connection Definition Underway". usb.org. 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-12-31. 
  41. ↑ "Next-gen USB connector a reversible challenge to Apple's Thunderbolt & Lightning". appleinsider.com. 2013-12-04. Retrieved 2013-12-31. 
  42. ↑ Goldman, David (November 26, 2012). "Apple bought Lightning trademark from Harley-Davidson". CNNMoney.com. Retrieved November 29, 2012. 
  43. ↑ "Tajani: Common charger for small electronic devices". EC Enterprise & Industry Magazine. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2013-09-28. 
  44. ↑ "Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission". European Parliament. 2013-03-13. Retrieved 2013-09-29. 
  45. ↑ "Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission". European Parliament. 2013-08-21. Retrieved 2013-09-28. 
  46. ↑ "Radio equipment: harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market". European Parliament / Legislative Observatory. Retrieved 2013-09-30. 
  47. ↑ "Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment'…". Eur-Lex.europa.eu. 2013-05-09. Retrieved 2013-09-29. 
  48. ↑ "Apple may be forced to drop Lightning connector for MicroUSB". macworld.uk. 2013-09-30. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  49. ↑ "Unia zmusza do ujednolicenia ładowarek. Apple idzie pod prąd" (in (Polish)). Wyborcza.biz. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  50. ↑ "Europe reaches deal on common mobile phone battery charger". reuters.com. 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 
  51. ↑ "Common charger for all mobile phones on the way". europaparl.europa.eu. 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 

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