Unauthorized Third Party Lightning Authentication Chips Surface in China

Unauthorized third party Lightning authentication chips appear to be in production already, according to a BGR report.

The site was sent a photo of the chips which can be seen below. The authentication embedded in the Lightning connector was reportedly cracked a few weeks ago.

We are told there are now multiple versions of these unofficial Lightning authentication chips and connectors floating around China, and while that may be good news for those looking for lower priced accessories and chargers, it doesn’t look good for Apple’s MFI partners who are licensing the technology and making legitimate accessories.


Apple is holding a conference in China for its Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad partners on November 7-8th at which time it will detail the requirements of the updated program.

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