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Apple Lightning authentication chip cracked before official Apple partners release their own cables

Updated Oct 22nd, 2012 12:23PM EDT

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We’ve just been sent a photo of what we’re told are third party non-approved authentication chips for Apple’s (AAPL) Lightning USB cables. This is important because Apple had included an authentication chip to prevent inexpensive and potentially unsafe third-party Lightning accessories from being manufactured, and while news was reported last week the chip was cracked, this photo shows more than one clone of Apple’s original design.

We are told there are now multiple versions of these unofficial Lightning authentication chips and connectors floating around China, and while that may be good news for those looking for lower priced accessories and chargers, it doesn’t look good for Apple’s MFI partners who are licensing the technology and making legitimate accessories.

Thanks to Apple Museum Taiwan and our friend Chronic.

Jonathan S. Geller
Jonathan Geller Founder, President & Editor-in-chief

Jonathan S. Geller founded Boy Genius Report, now known as BGR, in 2006. It became the biggest mobile news destination in the world by the end of 2009, and BGR was acquired by leading digital media company PMC in April 2010.

Jonathan is President of BGR Media, LLC., and Editor-in-chief of the BGR website.

What started as a side project at the age of 16, quickly transpired into 24-hour days and nights of sharing exclusive and breaking news about the mobile communications industry. BGR now reaches up to 100 million readers a month through the website, syndication partners, and additional channels.