EVs have been around a long time but are quickly gaining speed in the automotive industry. Learn how the long-coming and inevitable shift to electric impacts you.
Whether you want to build your own home theater or just learn more about TVs, displays, projectors, and more, we've got you covered. 3 Conductor Waterproof Connectors
Get tech's top stories in 30 seconds:
One has wider compatibility, faster data transfer rates, and increased power delivery for better fast charging
Despite being similar, USB-C and Lightning are not the same. They are among the most popular charging cables on the market, especially when it comes to mobile devices.
The most significant difference between the two cable types is that Lightning is a proprietary connector used on iPhones and other Apple devices. Some other key factors set USB-C and Lightning apart.
Joined USB-A and USB-B as popular connector.
Used for connection, communication, and power supply.
Replaced Apple's 30-pin dock connector.
Used for connection, communication, and power supply.
USB-C and Lightning (not to be confused with Thunderbolt) are protocols used for connection, communication, and power supply. Although both cable types are primarily for charging devices like smartphones and tablets, you can also use them for digital transfer tasks such as uploading or downloading movies, music, photos, and more.
USB-C is considered by many to be the current standard for charging and transferring data. However, every iPhone and iPad since September 2012 has come with a Lightning cable. The exception is the iPad Pro, which adopted USB-C starting with the 3rd generation models in 2018). Lightning has remained on the iPhone since 2012, while other manufacturers have used several types of USB ports before (mostly) settling on USB-C.
Setting aside Apple exclusivity, USB-C is superior to Lightning in just about every way having the benefit of being a new connector coming out years after Lightning.
Transfer speeds up to 40Gbps.
Transfer speeds up to 480Mbps.
Comparable transfer speeds to USB 2.0.
USB-C is capable of supporting USB4, the latest and fastest USB specification. As a result, USB-C cables can transfer speeds up to 40Gbps. By comparison, Lightning cables are much slower and transfer data at USB 2.0 rates of 480Mbps.
Complicating matters is that Apple doesn't release all specifications for its proprietary technology, so it's unclear what Lightning's actual maximum transfer speed is. That said, Apple hasn't released a protocol update since Lightning's release, meaning its functionality has changed little since 2012. There are, of course, pluses to this. You can use a cable from 2012, and it's still compatible with new iPhones.
As the numbers indicate, USB-C has a massive speed advantage over Lightning. That said, this advantage isn't as significant as it seems, considering most people now transfer data wirelessly from their phones and other devices instead of using a cable.
Supported by most modern devices, including Android phones, Windows PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and more.
Used by iPads (not the 9th generation iPad).
Can be used in Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports.
Used by iPhones, AirPods, various Apple accessories.
USB-C support through USB-C to Lightning cable.
Lightning was a replacement port for Apple's old 30-pin connector first introduced with the iPod back in 2001. As a replacement, it was better in every way: It was smaller, it could be inserted either way, and it moved data and power more quickly than the 30-pin connector. At the time, Apple said it was going to be their standard for the next 10 years. It's gone well beyond that.
Apple has used the Lightning connector in various products, including keyboards, trackpads, mice, AirPods and more.
Apple has begun to transition away from Lightning to USB-C in some products as it has more capabilities than Lightning (pressure from the EU has also played a part). Most iPads now use USB-C (only the 9th generation iPad remains using Lightning), and all Mac laptops use (or can use) USB-C to charge and carry data.
Native power support for 100W/3A and up to 240W/5A.
Supports USB Power Delivery for fast charging.
Native power support for 12W/2.4A.
Fast charging requires USB-C to Lightning cable and 20W or higher power adapter.
USB-C offers a higher power delivery rate than Lightning and delivers a faster charge under the same voltage. Whereas Lightning supports a maximum current of 2.4A, USB-C carries 3A with support for up to 5A. This distinction makes USB-C much better for fast charging, as it supports the USB Power Delivery fast-charging standard.
Standard Lightning cables don’t support fast charging, so Apple includes a USB-C to Lightning Cable with most products. Combined with a 20W or higher power adapter, you can fast-charge an iPhone up to 50% battery in about 30 minutes.
May last longer than Lightning.
Tighter physical connection than USB-C.
In terms of ease of use and durability, USB-C and Lightning are closely aligned. Both connections have reversible ends, making them easier to plug into your devices. They also include chips to help guarantee compatibility and control power supply for stabilized current and data transfers.
Anecdotally, there's considerable debate over which cable offers better durability. Some people claim that Lightning cables break more easily, while others argue that Lightning's connecting tabs fit better in their respective ports and are less prone to loose connections than USB-C. That said, much of this comes down to personal preference.
The best thing you can do to increase the longevity of either cable is to purchase one from a trusted manufacturer and take good care of both the cable and your device's condition.
Durability debates aside, USB-C is superior to Lightning in just about every way. It offers wider compatibility, faster data transfer rates, and increased power delivery for better fast charging.
With pressure mounting from European regulators for the mobile industry to adopt a universal standard, Apple appears to not have much say in the matter.
A USB-C to Lightning cable has a Lightning connector on one end, with a USB-C connector on the other end instead of a standard USB-A connector. With a USB-C to Lightning cable, you can charge and sync your iOS devices.
The cable takes a lot of stress over time, and that's a likely culprit when your charger stops working. It's possible for a charging cable's copper wiring to be damaged, causing the charger to stop working or work intermittently. Sometimes, however, the charger is the problem, not the cable. To fix a broken charger, test the wall socket and look for damage to the device power port.
Different USB cable types have different maximum lengths. USB 2.0 cables can extend to about 98 feet (30 meters). USB 3.0 and 3.1 cables can extend only to about 59 feet (18 meters). Your extension cables can only be as long as the original cable.
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Hit Refresh on Your Tech News
M8 Right Angle Connector By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.