In the wake of iOS 7’s release, quite a few users are noticing that charging cables that once worked with their iPhone 5 handsets are now defunct. What gives? Turns out Apple has cracked down on the use of some third-party Lightning cables in the latest software update for the iPhone.
Beta users of iOS 7 noted a warning message that would appear when using certain cables not certified by Apple, but it wasn’t until an official public release that the warnings seem to have been enforced. Thanks to an authentication chip built into certified cables, the task is easily accomplished.
It has us wondering if Apple is looking to discourage the use of counterfeit cables after recent events in China, where a young woman died of electric shock after reportedly using a third-party cable to charge her iPhone. A crackdown on unofficial accessories would then have a twofold benefit: Apple can prevent future injury or damage as a result of using uncertified cables and the company can push users toward buying more expensive, official chargers.
There is a work around to the problem, though, as detailed on Reddit. It involves quite a few steps, so it isn’t ideal. If you must:
- Turn on USB power
- Plug in lightning cable to iPhone
- Dismiss any warnings
- Unlock your iPhone.
- Dismiss any remaining warnings.
- Now with the screen turned on.
- Unplug the knock off lightning cable.
- Plug it back in.
- Dismiss warning again
We’re also guessing the lightning cable enforcement will carry over to the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. Folks are better off picking up a supported cable in the long run.
[via 9to5Mac]
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