Is it dangerous to charge an iPad with a non-native cable?

When you purchase an iPad, you receive a Type-C cable and a USB power adapter. A Lightning cable is provided for earlier tablet models. However, no matter which version of the accessories you use, they tend to get lost or break. And in this situation, the question arises whether to buy the original charger or its equivalent. Together with the iSpace experts, we will try to figure this out.

MFI certificate is a quality mark

Lightning cable is the brainchild of Apple. The company has the rights to produce this accessory. Therefore, third-party manufacturers (even very well-known ones) cannot legally produce wires with a Lightning connector without official permission from Apple.

In order to resolve the situation in favor of other manufacturers and protect consumers from low-quality accessories, in 2005 Apple launched the MFI certification program.

The certificate gives the corporation’s partners the right to officially sell charging cables for iPad, iPhone and iPod. And in order to receive an MFI, third-party products must pass numerous safety tests, that is, meet high quality standards.

Therefore, MFI can be safely called a quality mark that ensures that you have purchased a reliable and safe product that is fully compatible with Apple technology. However, the advent of certification did not protect the market from fakes. However, the corporation was able to limit the use of its devices with low-quality accessories.

And what’s special about the original cables with a Lightning connector? The fact is that all Apple accessories of this type (including those that have passed MFI certification) have an integrated identification chip. Thanks to it, the tablet detects whether you are using an original/certified cable or illegal products. If the accessory is not certified, the iPad will warn you that it may not work reliably.

The situation is different with cables for iPads with a Type-C connector — no identification chips are used here. Since Type-C is an international standard, any manufacturer can freely apply it. In this case, the owners of Apple devices become less limited in the choice of charging wire. But is it possible to connect an iPad to a USB-C cable from Android devices?

According to the recommendations of the official Apple support website, you need to use:

1. The USB cable and adapter that were included.
2. Certified cable and adapter with MFI mark (relevant for Lightning).
3. A third—party cable and adapter with support for USB 2.0 and later, provided that the chargers comply with applicable national, international, and regional safety standards.

In other cases, the devices for charging the device may not comply with current safety requirements. And the use of such accessories can be associated with a risk to health or death.

If you still decide to buy an unoriginal charging cable for iPad (Pro, Mini, Air), we advise you to give preference to well-known companies offering certified high-quality products.

Why shouldn’t you buy cables from no name manufacturers?

Goods from unknown manufacturers are always a high risk of danger. And here are a few reasons why you need to give up cheap fakes.

1. Fragility

The production of non-certified accessories uses low-quality raw materials and components. Because of this, the product quickly fails: it cracks, delaminates and often crumbles in the hands. The cable may stop working for no apparent reason. At the same time, the device remains intact externally and does not lose its marketable appearance.

However, users are attracted by the low price and the bright braid, which is accompanied by poor quality.

2. Incorrect operation

If an unoriginal/non-certified iPad cable is still working (charging, transmitting data), then this will not last long. Apple does not guarantee the correct operation of unknown devices with its equipment. There is a high chance that after the iPadOS update, the tablet will not detect the cable, which means it is incompatible with your device.

3. Danger of exploitation

If a low-quality accessory stops working, it is enough to buy a new certified cable for iPad. Serious problems can be avoided in this situation.

Another thing is when, due to the use of a no name accessory, the power supply chip burns out and the battery swells. It’s even worse if the tablet overheats and ignites. And there are two ways out: to carry an iPad for repair or to buy new equipment. And there is also a risk of injury.

Therefore, there is no need to skimp on your health and safety of technology.

Which cable is suitable for Apple iPad?

If the accessory was lost or failed due to non-compliance with the operating rules, the manufacturer recommends buying an original/certified cable (Lightning or USB-C) and a power adapter for iPad.

However, some analog cables, power supplies, and adapters are as reliable and durable as the originals. The main thing is that such a device must pass strict control for compliance with safety standards and have a certificate.

If you plan to buy a charger for an iPad or other Apple devices, do not forget that high-quality products are not sold in questionable outlets. A dangerous device may be hidden behind a bright wrapper.

iSpace offers you only original and certified accessories for any Apple devices. You will receive a manufacturer’s warranty. We offer products of well-known brands Belkin, Native Union, Ubear, Satechi, Nomad. And experts will provide detailed information about each manufacturer and help with the choice.Is it dangerous to charge an iPad with a non-native cable?