RS-485: Imported from Wikipedia (overwrite)

2026-05-02T19:06:34Z

Imported from Wikipedia (overwrite)

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{{Short description|Proprietary computer bus and power connector by Apple Inc}}
{{Distinguish|Thunderbolt (interface)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{infobox connector
| name = Lightning
| type = Data and power connector
| image = [[File:Lightning connector.svg|frameless]]
| caption = Top-down view of a Lightning connector, showing one side of eight pins
| designer = [[Apple Inc.]]
| design_date = 2012
| production_date = 2012–2025
| superseded = [[30-pin dock connector]]
| num_pins = 8
| pinout_image = [[File:Lightning plug.svg|frameless]]
| pinout_caption = Pins of the Lightning connector
| pin1 = Ground
| pin1_name = GND
| pin2 = Lane 0 positive
| pin2_name = L0p
| pin3 = Lane 0 negative
| pin3_name = L0n
| pin4 = Identification/control 0
| pin4_name = ID0
| pin5 = Power (charger or battery)
| pin5_name = PWR
| pin6 = Lane 1 negative
| pin6_name = L1n
| pin7 = Lane 1 positive
| pin7_name = L1p
| pin8 = Identification/control 1
| pin8_name = ID1
| pinout_notes = Lane 0 and 1 may be swapped in the IC of the device connector. No swapping occurs if the accessory identification chip is connected to the ID0 pin.
| superseded_by = [[USB-C]]
}}

'''Lightning''' is a discontinued proprietary [[bus (computing)|computer bus]] and power connector, created and designed by [[Apple Inc.]] It was introduced on September 12, 2012, in conjunction with the [[iPhone 5]], to replace its predecessor, the [[30-pin dock connector]], and discontinued in 2025, with the discontinuation of the [[IPhone SE (3rd generation)|iPhone S.E.]]

The Lightning connector is used to connect legacy Apple mobile devices like [[iPhone]]s, [[iPad]]s, and [[iPod Touch|iPod]]s to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers, and other peripherals. Using 8 pins instead of 30, Lightning is much smaller than its predecessor. The Lightning connector is reversible. The plug is indented on each side to match up with corresponding points inside the receptacle to retain the connection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/13/05/09/apples-lightning-connector-finally-detailed-in-patent-filing|title=Apple's Lightning connector detailed in extensive new patent filings|date=May 9, 2013|access-date=August 1, 2021|author=Campbell, Mikey}}</ref>

In 2018, Apple began transitioning to [[USB-C]] on [[iPad Pro]]s and accessories. In response to European Union [[Radio Equipment Directive (2022)|legislation to standardize charging ports]] passed in 2022, Apple said it would comply with regulations. The [[iPhone 15|iPhone 15 and 15 Plus]] and the [[iPhone 15 Pro|iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max]], announced on September 12, 2023, became the first iPhones to use USB-C, and the last few Lightning accessories made the transition in 2024 and 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-17 |title=Apple to complete its USB-C transition for AirPods and other accessories by 2025 |url=https://superchargednews.com/2023/09/17/apple-usb-c-transition-done-2025/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109133551/https://superchargednews.com/2023/09/17/apple-usb-c-transition-done-2025/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Locale_RS6_Apple Lightning Connector.webp|thumb|Apple Lightning Connector]]

==History==
The Lightning connector was introduced on September 12, 2012, with the [[iPhone 5]], as a replacement for the 30-pin dock connector.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/apple-iphone-5-event-2012|title=Apple's September 12th event roundup: iPhone 5, new iPods, iOS 6, Lightning and everything else|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=September 12, 2012|access-date=October 5, 2012|author=Pollicino, Joe}}</ref> The [[iPod Touch (5th generation)]], [[iPod Nano]] (7th generation),<ref name="techcrunch" /> [[iPad (4th generation)]] and [[iPad Mini (1st generation)]] followed in October and November 2012 as the first devices with Lightning.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macrumors.com/2012/10/23/apple-announces-fourth-generation-ipad-with-lightning-connector|title=Apple Announces Fourth-Generation iPad with Lightning Connector, New A6X Chip|publisher=[[MacRumors]]|date=October 23, 2012|access-date=December 2, 2012|last=Schultz|first=Marianne}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/specs|title=iPad mini Technical Specifications|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|date=December 2, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2012}}</ref>

On November 25, 2012, Apple acquired the "Lightning" trademark in Europe from [[Harley-Davidson]]. Apple was given a [[copyright transfer agreement|partial transfer]] of the Lightning trademark, suggesting that Harley-Davidson likely retained the rights to use the name for motorcycle-related products.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goldman|first=David|date=November 26, 2012|title=Apple bought Lightning trademark from Harley-Davidson|url=https://money.cnn.com/2012/11/26/technology/mobile/apple-lightning-harley-davidson|publisher=[[CNNMoney.com]]|access-date=November 29, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Apple acquired Lightning trademark from Harley-Davidson|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/12/11/26/apple-acquired-lightning-trademark-from-harley-davidson|website=Apple Insider}}</ref>

The [[iPad Pro (1st generation)|first-generation iPad Pro]] (12.9-inch models only) and the [[iPad Pro (2nd generation)|second-generation iPad Pro]] were the only devices in which the Lightning connector supported [[USB 3.0]] host.<ref name=usb3>{{cite web|url=https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad+Pro+Teardown/52599|title=iPad Pro 12.9 Teardown|website=[[iFixit]]}}</ref> The only accessory released with USB 3.0 support was the Lightning to {{nowrap|USB 3}} Camera Adapter.<ref name=camera/>

===Transition to USB-C===
In October 2018, following the implementation of [[USB-C]] across the [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] lineup, Apple released a [[iPad Pro (3rd generation)|range of iPad Pro models]] that replaced Lightning with it; the 2020 [[iPad Air (4th generation)]], 2021 [[iPad Mini (6th generation)]], and 2022 [[iPad (10th generation)]] similarly replaced Lightning with USB-C.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/tablets/apple-unveils-new-ipads-macs-and-mac-minis-at-event-in-new-york/news-story/29f518ef7745924673dc44d5f3dbc225|title=Apple unveils new iPads, Macs and Mac Minis at event in New York|date=October 30, 2018|website=NewsComAu}}</ref> In October 2022, Apple released the [[Siri Remote]] for the 3rd generation [[Apple TV (device)|Apple TV 4K]] with a USB-C connector, becoming Apple's first accessory to charge via USB-C.<ref>{{cite web|last=Peters|first=Jay|date=October 18, 2022|title=You can now buy an Apple TV remote with a USB-C port|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/18/23410830/apple-tv-siri-remote-usb-c-port-charging|access-date=May 27, 2023|website=The Verge|language=en-US}}</ref>

In January 2020, the [[European Commission]] proposed laws to standardize charger ports. On October 4, 2022, the [[European Parliament]] [[Radio Equipment Directive (2022)| approved regulations]] that require all electronic devices to support USB-C,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/04/apple-could-have-to-change-iphone-charger-to-usb-c-under-new-eu-rules.html|title=Apple could have to change iPhone charger to USB-C under new EU rules|date=October 4, 2022|website=CNBC}}</ref> in order to meet pressure by EU consumers regarding financial costs and [[electronic waste]]. Commentators said that these regulations would impact Apple most heavily.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/23/22626723/eu-commission-universal-charger-usb-c-micro-lightning-connector-smartphones|title=EU proposes mandatory USB-C on all devices, including iPhones|date=September 23, 2021|website=The Verge}}</ref> Apple stated concerns that this will "harm consumers in Europe and around the world",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/eu-plans-one-mobile-charging-port-all-setback-apple-2021-09-23/|title=EU plans one mobile charging port for all, in setback for Apple|date=September 23, 2021|website=Reuters}}</ref> but on October 25, 2022, [[Greg Joswiak]], Vice President of Global Marketing for Apple, said that Apple will comply with the new EU regulations, indirectly confirming that iPhone models and other devices, if not portless,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eadicicco |first=Lisa |date=2022-08-27 |title=Forget USB-C. An iPhone With No Charging Port Isn't That Absurd |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/forget-usb-c-an-iphone-with-no-charging-port-isnt-that-absurd/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> would ultimately replace Lightning with USB-C in the future.<ref name="joz">{{cite web|author1=Sami Fathi|title=Greg Joswiak: Apple Will Have to Comply With the EU and Switch iPhone to USB-C|url=https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/greg-joswiak-apple-will-have-to-comply-with-the-eu-and-switch-iphone-to-usb-c.2367481/|publisher=MacRumors|access-date=October 26, 2022|date=October 26, 2022}}</ref>

Released on September 22, 2023, the [[iPhone 15]] series included the first iPhone models to use USB-C. This meant all iPad models released from March 18, 2022 and iPhone models released from September 22, 2023 use USB-C. The 2nd generation [[AirPods Pro]] were updated to a USB-C charging case, and the [[MagSafe (wireless charger)#MagSafe Duo Charger|MagSafe Duo Charger]] and [[MagSafe (wireless charger)#MagSafe Battery Pack|MagSafe Battery Pack]], which used the Lightning connector, were discontinued.<ref>{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=September 12, 2023|title=Apple announces iPhone 15 with USB-C, a camera upgrade, and the Dynamic Island|url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/12/23859779/iphone-15-plus-usb-c-price-release-date-apple|access-date=September 12, 2023|website=The Verge|language=en-US}}</ref>

Apple subsequently transitioned its [[AirPods]] (on 9 September 2024<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=September 9, 2024 |title=AirPods 4 hands-on: noise cancellation for people who hate ear tips |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/9/24239947/apple-airpods-4-hands-on-preview-features-anc |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>) and Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard (all on October 28, 2024<ref>{{Cite web|title = Apple’s new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad have USB-C|url = https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/28/24275569/apple-usb-c-magic-keyboard-mouse-trackpad-no-lightning|website = TheVerge|access-date = 2024-10-28}}</ref>) to USB-C. Apple's last accessory using Lightning were the [[AirPods Max]], which were revised in September 2024 to use USB-C.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pathak |first=Khamosh |date=2025-03-25 |title=If You Want Lossless Audio on Your AirPods Max, You’re Probably Going to Need Another Dongle |url=https://lifehacker.com/tech/apples-new-usb-c-to-35mm-dongle-lossless-audio-airpods-max |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Lifehacker |language=en}}</ref>

On February 19, 2025, following the discontinuation of the [[iPhone 14]], [[iPhone 14 Plus]], and [[iPhone SE (3rd generation)]], all iPhone models sold use USB-C.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-debuts-iphone-16e-a-powerful-new-member-of-the-iphone-16-family/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=Apple Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Technology==
[[File:Locale_RS6_Lightning to USB Cable.jpg|thumb|right|Apple Lightning to USB-A cable]]
Lightning is an eight-pin digital connector. Unlike the 30-pin dock connector it replaced (and USB Type-A and Type-B connectors), it is reversible.<ref name="tech"/>

Most Lightning devices only support [[USB 2.0]], which has a maximum transfer speed of 480 Mbit/s, or 60 MB/s. With USB 2.0, only one lane is in use at a time.<ref name="throughput2.0">{{cite web|url=https://microchipdeveloper.com/usb:high-speed|title=High Speed USB Maximum Theoretical Throughput|date=March 23, 2021|publisher=Microchip Technology Incorporated|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326115716/https://microchipdeveloper.com/usb:high-speed|archive-date=March 26, 2021|access-date=March 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2022/04/19/sketchy-rumor-claims-iphone-14-pro-will-feature-faster-usb-3-0-lightning-connector/|title=Sketchy rumor claims iPhone 14 Pro will feature faster USB 3.0 Lightning connector|date=April 20, 2022}}</ref> Only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and 10.5-inch iPad Pro support [[USB 5Gbps]] (USB 3.2 {{nowrap|Gen 1}} operation mode), which has a maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbit/s, or 625 MB/s.<ref name=usb3/> This requires the Lightning to {{nowrap|USB 3}} Camera Adapter, which allows the iPad to connect with cameras and storage peripherals, but not computers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Damaged lightning port on 12.9inch iPad Pro, anyone with any experience of this?|url=https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/damaged-lightning-port-on-12-9inch-ipad-pro-anyone-with-any-experience-of-this.2029598/|website=MacRumors|access-date=October 27, 2022|date=January 27, 2017}}</ref><ref name=camera>{{cite web|title=Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter|url=https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MX5J3AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter|publisher=Apple Inc.|access-date=August 9, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240809091841/https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MX5J3AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter|archive-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Lightning_connector_upside.png|thumb|Lightning connector]]

Apple offers various adapters that allow the Lightning connector to be used with other interfaces, such as 30-pin, [[USB-C]], [[HDMI]], [[VGA connector|VGA]], and [[SD card]]s. 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 (via the [[Digital-to-analog converter|DAC]] inside of the adapter<ref>{{cite web|author=Eric Slivka|title=Apple's Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter Torn Apart, Reveals Several Chips and Copious Glue|url=http://www.macrumors.com/2012/10/11/apples-lightning-to-30-pin-adapter-torn-apart-reveals-several-chips-and-copious-glue/|website=MacRumors|access-date=September 9, 2016|date=October 11, 2012}}</ref>).

Lightning connectors contain an authentication chip that makes it difficult for third-party manufacturers to produce compatible accessories without being approved by Apple.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/10/apple-revising-mfi-program-to-limit-third-party-lightning-accessories|last=Foresman|first=Chris|title=Apple revising MFi program to limit third-party Lightning accessories|publisher=Ars Technica|date=October 3, 2012|access-date=October 3, 2012}}</ref> The authentication scheme has been [[Software cracking|crack]]ed by some third parties.<ref name="tech">{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/apple-lightning-connector-what-you-need-to-know-1106884|title=Apple Lightning connector: what you need to know|author=Gary Marshall|date=October 24, 2012|website=techradar}}</ref>

The connector is 6.7 mm by 1.5 mm.

{{multiple image
| width = 300
| align = center
| direction = horizontal
| image1 = Lightning receptacle 8-pin.svg
| image2 = Lightning receptacle 16-pin.svg
| footer = Lightning 8-pin and 16-pin receptacles
}}

==Versions==
*C48{{dash}}gold plated connector pins, produced before March 2019, used in USB-A to Lightning cable
*C89{{dash}}rhodium-ruthenium plated (silver coloured) connector pins, more durable than C48 due to big IC, used in USB-A to Lightning cable
*C91{{dash}}18 watt USB PD, used in Apple USB-C to Lightning cable, Apple later switched to using C94, same appearance and cost as C94
*C94{{dash}}18 watt USB PD, used in third party MFi USB-C to Lightning cable, same appearance and cost as C91
*C100{{dash}}used in Earpods with Lightning Connector, same appearance as C101, lower price than C101
*C101{{dash}}used in Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter, same appearance as C100, higher price than C100<ref>{{Cite web |last=wandkey |date=2021-06-04 |title=Differences of Lightning Connector |url=https://wandkey.com/differences-of-lightning-connector/ |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=USB C Cable Manufacturer-Wandkey |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-09 |title=Why does the MFI Certified Lightning Cable so expensive? – |url=https://wandkey.com/why-does-the-mfi-certified-lightning-cable-so-expensive/ |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=USB C Cable Manufacturer-Wandkey |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Compatible devices==
=== iPhone ===
*[[iPhone 5]]
*[[iPhone 5C]]
*[[iPhone 5S]]
*[[iPhone 6|iPhone 6/6 Plus]]
*[[iPhone 6S|iPhone 6S/6S Plus]]
*[[iPhone SE (1st generation)]]
*[[iPhone 7|iPhone 7/7 Plus]]
*[[iPhone 8|iPhone 8/8 Plus]]
*[[iPhone X]]
*[[iPhone XS|iPhone XS/XS Max]]
*[[iPhone XR]]
*[[iPhone 11]]
*[[iPhone 11 Pro|iPhone 11 Pro/11 Pro Max]]
*[[iPhone SE (2nd generation)]]
*[[iPhone 12|iPhone 12/12 mini]]
*[[iPhone 13|iPhone 13/13 mini]]
*[[iPhone SE (3rd generation)]]
*[[IPhone 14|iPhone 14/14 Plus]]
*[[iPhone 12 Pro|iPhone 12 Pro/12 Pro Max]]
*[[iPhone 13 Pro|iPhone 13 Pro/13 Pro Max]]
*[[iPhone 14 Pro|iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max]]

=== iPad ===
*[[iPad (4th generation)]]
*[[iPad (5th generation)]]
*[[iPad (6th generation)]]
*[[iPad (7th generation)]]
*[[iPad (8th generation)]]
*[[iPad (9th generation)]]
*[[iPad Mini (1st generation)]]
*[[iPad Mini 2]]
*[[iPad Mini 3]]
*[[iPad Mini 4]]
*[[iPad Mini (5th generation)]]
*[[iPad Air (1st generation)]]
*[[iPad Air 2]]
*[[iPad Air (3rd generation)]]
*[[iPad Pro (1st generation)]]
*[[iPad Pro (2nd generation)]]

=== iPod ===
*[[iPod Nano#7th generation|iPod Nano (7th generation)]]
*[[iPod Touch (5th generation)]]
*[[iPod Touch (6th generation)]]
*[[iPod Touch (7th generation)]]

=== Accessories ===
*[[Siri Remote]] for [[Apple TV (device)|Apple TV]] (4th generation)
*[[Siri Remote]] for [[Apple TV (device)|Apple TV 4K]] (1st & 2nd generation)
*Beats Solo Pro headphones
*BeatsX earphones
*Powerbeats Pro
*[[Beats Pill]]+ speaker
*[[AirPods]] (1st generation) Charging Case and Wireless Charging Case
*[[AirPods]] (2nd generation) Lightning Charging Case
*AirPods (3rd generation) Lightning Charging Case/MagSafe Charging Case
*[[AirPods Pro]] (1st generation) Wireless Charging Case
*[[AirPods Pro]] (2nd generation) MagSafe Charging Case
*[[AirPods Max]] (Lightning)
*[[Apple Pencil]] (1st generation)
*[[Apple Watch]] Magnetic Charging Dock
*[[MagSafe (smartphone charging and accessory interface)#Products|MagSafe Duo Charger]]
*[[MagSafe Battery Pack]]
*[[Magic Keyboard (Mac)|Magic Keyboard 2]]
*[[Magic Keyboard (Mac)#First generation|Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad]]
*[[Magic Mouse 2]]
*[[Magic Trackpad 2]]
*[[EarPods]] (Lightning Connector)

==Reception==
Initial opinions of the Lightning connector in media were mixed: publications appreciated the reversibility and increased durability of the connector but were critical of its proprietary nature, of the effects of its authentication protocol on third-party accessory availability, and of the lack of performance improvements over the 30-pin dock connector.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 24, 2012|title=Here's the Chip Apple Is Using to Stop You from Buying Cheap Cables|url=https://gizmodo.com/heres-the-chip-apple-is-using-to-stop-you-from-buying-c-5945889|access-date=August 21, 2023|website=Gizmodo|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=iPhone 5 review – after 11 months of use how do we rate the iPhone 5?|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/666888/iphone-5-review-after-11-months-of-use-how-do-we-rate-the-iphone-5.html|access-date=August 21, 2023|website=Macworld|language=en}}</ref>

Reviewers criticised Apple for continuing to include a Lightning port on its iPhones despite the widespread adoption of [[USB-C]], especially as Apple had already pioneered adoption of USB-C as the primary connector for both data and power on the iPad Pro and MacBook lineups.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 22, 2020|title=Hey Apple, now would be a great time to ditch Lightning and get with USB-C|url=https://www.androidauthority.com/apple-ditch-lightning-1076348/|access-date=February 3, 2021|website=Android Authority|language=en-US}}</ref>

Apple claimed that it continued to use Lightning because replacing it would supposedly produce "an unprecedented amount of electronic waste".<ref>{{cite news|date=January 23, 2020|title=Apple says losing Lightning port will create waste|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51208912|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=May 25, 2020|title=Why iPhone 12 still won't be going USB-C|url=https://www.imore.com/why-iphone-12-still-wont-be-going-usb-c|access-date=February 3, 2021|website=iMore}}</ref> Some reviewers, like ''[[Business Insider]]'' senior tech correspondent Lisa Eadicicco, posited that it was simply because Apple wanted to continue profiting from its proprietary chargers and accessories.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eadicicco|first=Lisa|title=Apple is under pressure to kill the iPhone's Lightning charger — but here's why that probably won't happen anytime soon|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/why-apple-wont-kill-iphone-lightning-charger-usb-c-2020-1|access-date=February 3, 2021|website=Business Insider}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2023}}

===MFi certification===
Apple introduced the [[MFi Program]], referring to "Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad", to increase the quality of third-party accessories and consumer confidence.<ref>{{cite web|title=FAQs|url=https://mfi.apple.com/en/faqs.html|access-date=June 15, 2022|website=mfi.apple.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=June 2, 2022|title=All you need to know about MFi-certified accessories|url=https://www.igeeksblog.com/apple-mfi-certified/|access-date=June 15, 2022|website=iGeeksBlog}}</ref>

===Black contacts===
A known failure mode of Lightning plugs is power contacts turning black over time, sometimes causing the affected side of the connector to cease functioning. When the plug is inserted or unplugged while powered, a brief [[electric spark|spark]] may occur between the mating power contacts in the plug and socket, eroding their gold plating. Because the Lightning plug's contacts are unprotected, if touched by a user's fingers, the accessible surface can easily become contaminated by conductive substances, such as [[Perspiration|sweat]] and [[salt]]s. [[Ion]]ic contaminants then allow the [[base metal]] of the contact, exposed by the damaged [[plating]], to undergo [[electrolytic corrosion]]. The remaining [[gold plating]] wears off mechanically and through further sparking, progressively exposing the corroded base metal, which appears black.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 12, 2022|title=Ever Wondered Why the Fourth Pin on Your Lightning Cable Turns Black? We Found the Answer|url=https://ioshacker.com/iphone/why-the-fourth-pin-on-your-lightning-cable-turns-black|access-date=June 15, 2022|website=iOS Hacker}}</ref> A good practice is to never touch a gold-plated connector with the fingers.

In 2019, Apple released new versions of the Lightning connector and ceased production of the older versions. These new versions included many improvements, including a more robust, silver-colored [[ruthenium]]–[[rhodium]] contact plating instead of gold.<ref>{{cite web|title=一口气搞懂苹果C94到底是咋回事?|url=https://www.chongdiantou.com/archives/32860.html|website=chongdiantou.com|access-date=August 3, 2023|language=zh-hans}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Different Apple MFI Lightning Connector Chips: C48/C89/C91/C94/C100/C101|url=https://www.bytecable.com/apple-mfi-chips/#C91_Lightning_Connector_Chip|website=bytecable.com|access-date=August 3, 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="techcrunch">{{cite web|first=Romain|last=Dillet|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/09/12/the-iphone-5-comes-with-the-new-lightning-connector|title=The iPhone 5 Comes With The New "Lightning" Connector|publisher=[[TechCrunch]]|date=September 12, 2012|access-date=September 27, 2012}}</ref>
}}

==Further reading==
{{Commons category|Lightning (connector)}}
*{{cite news |first1= Nick |last1= Wingfield |first2= Brian X. |last2= Chen |name-list-style= amp |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/06/technology/apples-rivals-see-an-edge-in-using-wireless-accessories.html |title= Accessories No Longer Tethered to Apple |date= May 5, 2013 |work= [[The New York Times]] }}

{{Apple}}
{{Computer bus}}

[[Category:Apple Inc. hardware]]
[[Category:Computer buses]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2012]]

Lightning (connector) - Revision history

RS-485: Imported from Wikipedia (overwrite)