Anker aims to beat Belkin to market with MFi-certified USB-C to Lightning cables
No one likes a monopoly, not even when it comes to mundane products such as Apple’s USB-C to Lightning cables. Those are just fine, by the way, but they only come in two length options and they’re not exactly crazy affordable, starting at $19.
In line with reports from September and December 2018, the doors are finally open for third-party, MFi (Made for iPhone)-certified alternatives, the first of which were unveiled at CES last week.
But Belkin could only promise to release its latest Boost Charge cables this “spring”, while Anker (via 9To5Mac) is now ready to commit to a firm March rollout schedule for its new additions to the Powerline roster.
Unfortunately, there are no price tags attached to the “standard” USB-C to Lightning Anker Powerline version or the Powerline+, so we have no idea if any of the two will actually be cheaper than Apple’s in-house accessories.
Like the Apple-made USB-C to Lightning cable lineup, the Anker Powerline and Powerline+ alternatives will only come in 3 and 6-foot lengths. Belkin has promised to go all the way up to 10 feet, so Anker will need to beat its arch-rival to the commercial punch or win the affordability battle.
Either way, consumers have the most to gain from rapidly intensifying competition. A USB-C to Lightning cable can be particularly convenient for fast-charging those hot new iPhones, although the next generation may follow the suit of the latest iPad Pro family and replace the default Lightning port with a USB Type-C connector.
In line with reports from September and December 2018, the doors are finally open for third-party, MFi (Made for iPhone)-certified alternatives, the first of which were unveiled at CES last week.
Unfortunately, there are no price tags attached to the “standard” USB-C to Lightning Anker Powerline version or the Powerline+, so we have no idea if any of the two will actually be cheaper than Apple’s in-house accessories.
The Anker Powerline+ probably won’t be, seeing as how it’s billed as the “toughest cable for the home or on the go”, with an aluminum encasing and braided nylon reinforcement. The non-Plus Powerline is also quite robust, at least according to Anker, boasting a “bend lifespan of over 5X higher than any other cable in the market”, with an aramid fiber cover ensuring “extra strength.”
Like the Apple-made USB-C to Lightning cable lineup, the Anker Powerline and Powerline+ alternatives will only come in 3 and 6-foot lengths. Belkin has promised to go all the way up to 10 feet, so Anker will need to beat its arch-rival to the commercial punch or win the affordability battle.
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