By cracking the Lightning authentication chips, unauthorised accessory makers have figured out how to make connectors work with Apple's new standard — can lawsuits be far behind?
Apple's new Lightning connector for its iPhone 5 and new iPod Touch.
(Credit: Apple)
Apple has retained strict control over Lightning connector accessories, but MacRumors is reporting that some companies have cracked the authorisation chips that are required, to make generic versions of the adapter.
Last month, Apple revealed that the iPhone 5 would use a new cable, dubbed Lightning, replacing the 30-pin connector Apple had been used since 2003. Since introducing the new connector, Apple has limited the number of companies that can make accessories for the new Lightning interface, and reportedly, it hasn't yet approved any new facilities to build the device.
Apple reportedly installs an authorisation chip in its adapters, but MacRumors is reporting that companies are making cracked chips that bypass Apple's authentication functions. One Lightning-connector maker, iPhone5mod, told the site that though it's currently using original chips from Apple's supplier, but the cracked chips that it has obtained are working just as well as the original chips.
This could mean that we may soon see a big bump in unauthorised Lightning accessories.
We reached out to Apple for comment, and will update if we receive any information.
Via CNET.com
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