Is this the first third-party Apple Watch charging cable? Apple hasn’t yet announced official plans for a third-party accessory program for Apple Watch, but that hasn’t stopped accessory makers from creating stands, charging docks, straps, and other accessories for the device. This charging cable from Ionic, a company that sells a lot of MFi certified cables and adapters through Amazon, might be the first advertising a third-party version of Apple’s own magnetic charging cable.
While the company confirmed it isn’t an Apple certified cable (Apple has yet to introduce specs for these cable), it’s the first non-Apple cables we’ve seen up for preorder.
The majority of Ionic Pro’s cables on Amazon are listed as MFi certified, meaning they’ve received Apple’s approval through the company’s Made-for-iPhone/iPad/iPod licensing program, but accessory makers are still waiting on official specs from Apple. The MFi program is usually the only official way for accessory makers to get Apple’s approval, and it’s required for most accessories that utilize any of Apple’s proprietary technologies, like the Lightning cable/port.
The Iconic Pro cable is listed for $15, undercutting Apple’s price of $29/$39 for 1m and 2m cables through Apple’s online store. The company tells us the price will go up to $24– still a deal compared to Apple’s pricing– once it’s in stock starting May 31. The cable is 1m, but the supplier is planning to launch a 2m version to match Apple’s offerings.
Apple doesn’t usually recommend using third-party charging solutions that aren’t MFi certified for any of its devices, but it hasn’t issued any warnings regarding Apple Watch specifically. Some users have discovered that Apple’s charger works with other smartwatches and devices that use similar inductive charging solutions, like the Moto 360, but it’s unclear what will be required to enable charging of Apple Watch by non-Apple adapters.
Earlier today we told you about at least one accessory maker’s plans to tap Apple Watch’s hidden port for battery straps and faster charging, and why it’s probably not a great idea this early in the game.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
That’s a render. I could go post a render on my amazon seller account too. Slow news day?
I would love just the puck part with a female lightning port on it so I can use existing lightning cables.
That’s a great idea! That would make for some very interesting watch stands/iPhone stand mods.
Well I don’t necessarily think that there should be a need for a MiFi type of thing with the Apple Watch considering the fact that the Apple Watch uses inductive charging, which is not Apple’s proprietary technology.
“The company tells us the price will go up to $24– still a deal compared to Apple’s pricing– once it’s in stock starting May 31.”
$24 for a knockoff vs Apple’s $29? Good luck with that.
I would be interested in a shorter one. Apple’s two metre cord is ridiculous. On the other hand, buying second rate, third party chargers is literally one of the most foolish things you can do.
i prefer watch stand instead on cable. here i got one http://goo.gl/jKH5Qj apple watch and iphone 6 dock+ wireless charger with watch stand.