Users of iOS 7 might not be to happy to discover one of Apple’s new “features” in the update. As first spotted in an early iOS 7 beta, iOS 7 now blocks users from using “unauthorized” third-party Lightning cables to charge or sync their devices. Despite the fact that some cables will now no longer function, however, it’s worth noting that there are still many authorized cables available from 3rd-party manufacturers, many of which are cheaper than Apple’s own cables.
While the move might initially seem anti-consumer, there are plenty of good reasons for Apple to use “security chips” to restrict Lightning cable manufacturing to authorized companies. For one, this helps Apple ensure the quality of the resulting cables, and second, it allows inspections and certifications to bind on the manufacturer, ensuring that the cable is safe, and won’t damage or overcharge your device, overheat, and so forth.
Nevertheless, this will likely come as a blow to users who have already invested in cheap knock-off Lightning cables before receiving the warning. I guess it’s true what they say: You get what you pay for!
