Apple has finally started MFI, Made for iPhone, certification for USB-C Lighting cables, a long-overdue step because it potentially paves the way for cables that are cheaper than Apple's (costing at least $ 25). This is good news because there was a need to open the market officially as unofficial and potentially dangerous cables appeared in circulation. In fact, we know that a USB-C cable can be connected to even very powerful power supplies (even up to 100W) and a bad implementation can destroy a device connected to it.
The first company to launch cables of this type is Anker, among the most qualified in the sector of accessories such as cables, power supplies, batteries and this is good news.
How the Lightning USB cable is made- C Anker
The Powerline II cable, this is its trade name for the cable, respects the tradition of the company. It appears at first glance much more robust than the Apple cable . The accessory is reinforced by a generous coating in soft plastic of excellent quality and the section is superior to that of the Apple cable, while maintaining excellent flexibility. The cables, says the manufacturer, are tested on 22 thousand folds. Data and impressions aside we know from our past experience that all Anker Lightning cables we have tried over the many years since the company's debut on our market are indeed very solid, stronger than Apple's own cables.
In addition to this constructive aspect, we can see other small details that are a guarantee of attention and quality. The first is that each cable is marked with a serial number. Secondly, we also have a small velcro strap that is used to wrap and carry the cable. Finally the cable is guaranteed for life .
It should also be noted that the Anker cable is, formally, shorter by ten centimeters than the Apple one meter cable , but this is actually not a real problem because it is hardly ten centimeters can make a difference. Rather sorry that, at least for now, there isn't a two meter version which would have been a lot convenient for charging since often the sockets are often not too close to the desk and a cable like this is born and makes full sense when it is possible to take advantage of its power and flexibility connected to a power supply.
The length of the Anker Lightning USB-C cable compared with that of the Apple cable
The performance and compatibility
Speaking of performance , we can say that there is no difference between an Apple cable and that of Anker. Indeed the Anker cable provides a slightly higher amperage than Apple's as you can see from the images below.
As known, a USB-C cable is able to give an iPhone up to 18W when connected to a suitable power supply, capable of supporting Power Delivery technology. A USB-A Lightning cable cannot carry more than 12W. This potentially makes a big difference, as we have demonstrated in this test. We have not repeated all the tests, but we can say using this charger from Anker that provides up to 30W, the Anker cable in half an hour charged an iPhone XS Max from zero to 50% but since, as is known, the latest generation iPhones can absorb up to a maximum of 18W, we would have obtained the same result using a power supply with this power.
On the left the performance measurement of the Anker cable on the right that of the Apple cable
It should be remembered that even the penultimate iPad Pro equipped with a Lightning connector are able to recharge quickly using this same cable. The latest 2018 iPad Pros have a USB-C to USB-C connector instead, so they can't use the Anker cable.
We also used Anker's Powerline II cable for syncing and again no problem. Connected to a MacBook 12 ″ retina we were able to do everything we would have expected from an Apple cable. This is not surprising given that the Lightning connector is built under license from Apple.
The packaging seen from the back; note the serial number 
The two Lightning connectors next to each other 
The USB-C connector of the Anker cable compared to Apple. On the right you can see the beginning of the serial number, printed on the cable 
The difference in section between the two cables is evident and is in favor of the Anker one
In conclusion
Anker's Powerline II Cable is the last piece missing to create a fast charging setup for iPhones at a relatively affordable cost. Previously you had to spend using Apple products you had to spend 60 euros, the cost of the cable (25 euros) and the 18W Apple charger (35 euros). If for the charger it was possible to use a third-party product (like this one from Aukey, which costs 20 euros and was tested by Cyberlayman) for the cable there were no alternatives. Now this alternative is there and it is made up of an excellent cable from a construction point of view and also certified by Apple.
The only limitation we see in this cable is the length. Since a cable of this type was created to be connected to a power supply, a 2-meter version would be a must buy if you want to save time in charging an iPhone. While waiting for Anker to try this too, the one-meter version is the ideal solution for those who have an outlet close to the device they want to recharge or if they want to synchronize their iPhone with one of the latest portable Macs that only have USB ports. -C
Click here to buy the white Anker Lightning USB-C cable (black here)
