Lightning Cables

For iPhones with the Lightning socket

Lightning is Apple's own plug, introduced with the iPhone 5 in September 2012: a flat metal tongue with no shell round it, which goes in either way up. It was on every iPhone from the iPhone 5 until the iPhone 14 family, including the iPhone SE models, and on many older iPads and AirPods cases. iPhone 15 and later use USB-C instead, so they need a USB-C to USB-C cable. If your iPhone has a narrow slot with a flat bar inside, this is the range for it.

USB-C or USB-A at the other end

The plug at the far end has to match the charger, and the cables here today come both ways. A USB-C to Lightning cable goes into a USB-C charger, and it is Apple's route to fast charging on these iPhones: Apple's advice for them is an 18W or greater USB-C adapter that uses USB Power Delivery. The one here is listed for 20W PD charging. A USB-A to Lightning cable goes into an older plug charger, a car's USB socket, a laptop or a power bank. It charges well, just not at the fastest speed. Here there is a plain sync and charge cable in lengths from 25cm to 3m and several colours, and a cable with a 90-degree angled plug, from 30cm to 3m, that sits flat against the phone for games, films or a car holder. A braided Lightning cable with metal plug housings is in braided cables.

Tablets, earbuds and the change to USB-C

Many older iPads and AirPods cases also charge on Lightning, so one good cable often does for several things. If the house now has a mix of Lightning and USB-C, a 3-in-1 cable covers both from one plug, and a USB-C to Lightning adapter lets a Lightning cable or accessory work with a USB-C iPhone.

Questions people ask about Lightning cables

Can I use a Lightning cable with an iPhone 15 or later?

Not directly: iPhone 15 and later have USB-C. A USB-C to Lightning adapter lets Lightning accessories work, but for everyday charging a USB-C cable is simpler.

My iPhone says the accessory may not be supported. Why?

An iPhone shows that message when it does not recognise a cable. Try a different cable, and check the phone's socket for pocket lint, which stops a plug going fully home and looks just like a failed cable.

How do I fast-charge an older iPhone?

Use a USB-C to Lightning cable on a USB-C charger with USB Power Delivery, of 18W or more, as Apple advises. The guide to fast charging explains why.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• USB-C to Lightning adapters
• 3-in-1 cables
• Braided cables
• Right-angle cables
• Lightning accessories
• Wall chargers
• Guide: Which charging cable does my phone need?
• Guide: Fast charging explained: watts, USB Power Delivery and PPS