What are Lightning Cables?

Lightning cables are a type of cable designed to be used specifically with iPhones. Functionally, they are very similar to the standard types of USB cables used with Android phones. Lightning cables are proprietary to Apple and the only type of connection that will work for charging most iPhones or connecting them to other devices.

Apple Lightning iPhone iPod iPad


Apple introduced Lightning cables in September 2012 to replace older, bulkier connectors. Any iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device made after late 2012 likely uses a lightning connection. Lightning cables are not compatible with older Apple devices that use the wider, 30-pin style connectors.

There are some MacBooks that use a USB-C connection instead of lightning cables. Be sure to check a MacBook to see what it uses before purchasing a cable. Being proprietary, it can be a bit tricky to find lightning cables and accessories without purchasing expensive items from Apple directly. Thankfully, Apple does allow a certain degree of freedom to third parties and that is where our new adapter comes in.

Charge Your Phone and Listen to Music at the Same Time

On an iPhone, the lightning port has two main uses. The first is to charge the phone, keeping the battery fresh for day-to-day activities. The second is to plug in headphones and listen to music. Whereas an Android phone uses a USB port for charging and a 3.5mm port for headphones, iPhones use the lightning port for both. The obvious downside here is that users normally have to pick and choose between charging the phone or audio functions like listening to music.

ShowMeCables new Lightning Male to Dual Lightning Female Adapter for Audio & Charging eliminates this long-time problem, allowing users to charge an iPhone and use the iPhone’s audio features simultaneously.

Lighting Cable Audio Sound Charge Charging Battery Apple Male to Dual Female

The male end of the adapter plugs into the iPhone, just like a standard lightning cable. The adapter then splits off into two lines, one for charging and one for audio. The audio side utilizes a built-in audio chip that allows users to control volume and make phone calls. It will even work with a lightning to 3.5mm adapter for individuals working with traditional headphones instead of Apple style ones.

The other female end lets users recharge their iPhones and it is easy to tell the two apart thanks to their headphone and lightning bolt symbols. That being said, this adapter is specifically designed for charging on one side and audio on the other. It is not able to charge through both sides or play audio through both sides. The charging side is for charging only and the audio side is for audio only.


Lighting Cable Audio Sound Charge Charging Battery Apple Male to Dual Female

This adapter measures 5 inches in length and is compatible with iOS 10.3 and up (iPhone 6 and later). For any questions regarding the Lightning Male to Dual Lightning Female Adapter for Audio & Charging, our Sales team can be reached at 888-519-9505 or sales@showmecables.com.