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The all-new Native Union Belt Cable Duo stands by itself as the one Apple-certified Lightning cable that may also be used as a USB-C cable along with your different gadgets.
Apple does not typically publicly present particulars on the intricacies of its MFi program, binding producers to tight NDAs for sharing data. It is why you will not see anybody touch upon the strict limitations Apple places on formally licensed merchandise.
Some particulars, nonetheless, handle to leak out. For instance, we discovered lately how Apple had modified its MFi spec to permit MagSafe gadgets to make use of completely different supplies to cowl the charger as a substitute of simply the white rubber pad.
Apple additionally strictly prohibits adapters with a feminine USB-C port on one finish and a male Lightning connector on the opposite. USB-C to Lightning cables are allowed, however the adapters are taboo.
This meant producers have — thus far — been prohibited from creating a completely common USB-C cable with a detachable Lightning adapter. Customers all the time needed to have a USB-C cable for his or her Mac or iPad, and Lightning for his or her iPhone.
Native Union has now discovered a loophole, creating what it has known as the “not possible” cable. One cable to your Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
The way it works
The Belt Cable Duo — as it’s formally known as — abides by Apple’s guidelines as a result of it does not use an adapter. There’s a USB-C connector on one finish and a “T”-shaped connector on the opposite with each Lightning and USB-C.
It really works as a single-piece USB-C to Lightning cable when linked to your iPhone however flips over to USB-C when wanted.
Native Union makes this work with a small sliding pin it calls Slide Lock. As you join the cable to a tool, a skinny piece of steel will get pushed to the alternative aspect. This adjustments which finish is “lively” and lets it work with USB-C or Lightning gadgets.
This small steel shim additionally prevents you from connecting two gadgets concurrently to that finish of the cable. While you join your iPhone, that shim prevents any USB-C system from connecting to the opposite aspect of the “T.”
A robust, multi-purpose Lightning cable
Native Union did not simply make a singular cable, it has created an exceptionally high-quality cable on the identical time. The housing ends are robust and produced from 100% recycled thermoplastic elastomer (rTPE) and recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (rTPU).
The physique of the cable is strengthened with 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nylon which makes it really feel nicer, extra sturdy, and resist tangles. We have now the Kraft colorway although there’s a Cosmos and Zebra model too that appears placing.
In the course of the cable is an built-in leather-based cable tie to maintain it organized whereas not in use. The cable tie is produced from 75% recycled bonded leather-based and has a steel pin to carry it in place.
As for speeds, as it’s an formally licensed Lightning to USB-C cable, it helps Quick Charging on iPhones to ship a 50 % cost in lower than half-hour. On the USB-C aspect, it may possibly deal with as much as 60W of energy to your Mac.
If there was one factor we might change, we might like to have a minimum of 100W of USB-C PD help for bigger moveable Macs.
When contemplating a Lightning cable, we might extremely suggest selecting up the Belt Cable Duo, as you may get twice as a lot performance out of it to your cash. It is sturdy, quick, and immensely succesful.
Native Union Belt Cable Duo Professionals
- Nice coloration choices
- Sturdy, eco-friendly cable
- Solely twin USB-C Lightning accessible
- Licensed and examined by Apple
- Built-in cable tie
Native Union Belt Cable Duo Cons
- Not the most affordable Lightning cable in the marketplace
- Solely 60W USB PD speeds for Mac and different gadgets
Score: 4 out of 5
The place to purchase
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