iPhone 5 lightening cables are useless!!!!

CJmasgrande

I promised my two teenagers tonight I've had enough!

I'm not purchasing any more Apple lightening cables anymore!!!!

Over the past two years I reckon I've purchased 30 of them for my household and they all break I've time.

I've tried all varieties and nothing lasts. Apple cables are a huge let down in my opinion. The iPhone 4 cables never had this issue.

I pointed it out to an apple rep 6 months ago on the phone and he claimed the newest cables were improved.

I'm furious I'm prepared to sell all 4 iOS devices from my home I've had enough

TimeToShine

There really is no refuting it. I just keep them in the same place, movement leads to damage.

Oafley Jones

Why aren't you returning them to Apple? I find them fairly poor to be honest as well. Massively overly complicated design.

Eugene Norman

Any bend tends to cause the material to break. I think Apple do replace them though.

Senecio

I've never had had an Apple cable fail, never. They must be being abused.

CJmasgrande

I never bothered getting replacements from Apple. Wouldn't make any difference anyway they are all crap. I'm determined not to purchase any more we can switch to android I've had enough

GrayFox208

All wires break... And if you're buying Apple branded ones you haven't bought 30 of them... You must be something wrong.. I've had one cable for the past 8 months and I've never had to replace it

Wabbit Ears

Never replaced any lightening cable including one that regularly does the rounds in the office. WTF are ye doing to the cables that they don't last? It's not like a cable does much moving. Plug it in, put down phone/ ipad , leave to charge. Plug it out when you want to use it again.

challengemaster

I've found the opposite tbh - the old 30 pins were shíte and very prone to damage. The lightening cable is way better

Senecio

Wabbit Ears wrote: »

Never replaced any lightening cable including one that regularly does the rounds in the office. WTF are ye doing to the cables that they don't last? It's not like a cable does much moving. Plug it in, put down phone/ ipad , leave to charge. Plug it out when you want to use it again.

I've seen people yank on a cable from 10cm back from the plug, then claim poor manufacturing quality when they fail.

Use them as they were designed and they don't fail, simple.

GrayFox208

Senecio wrote: »

I've seen people yank on a cable from 10cm back from the plug, then claim poor manufacturing quality when they fail.

Use them as they were designed and they don't fail, simple.

Or pull on the wire to remove it from the plug.
Or pull the wire to yank out the entire plug.

Eugene Norman

My cable is failing where it bends. It bends because when plugged into the power in use there is an inevitable kink.

No big deal for me. But I imagine kids cause more damage.

TimeToShine

Well in comparison to the absolute battering the cheapest micro usb cable can take there definitely is cause for complaint IMO.

GrayFox208

TimeToShine wrote: »

Well in comparison to the absolute battering the cheapest micro usb cable can take there definitely is cause for complaint IMO.

Any of my micro usb cables stop connecting properly after a few weeks.

brianomc

Were they €20 apple cables and you've spent €600 on them or the discount shop variety for €1-€5.

I must have spent €20-€30 on cheap cables on ebay/aliexpress/etc and they were so unreliable and badly made. Gave in and bought one official apple one, both that one and the original one are still going strong 2-3 years later.

Savage Tyrant

Truthfully, they aren't made with the same robustness of good brand chargers from other phone manufacturers like Samsung. Their micro and mini usb chargers are bomb proof and sturdy.
I'm now much more careful with my apple chargers as a result... I used to get 3/4 months with the old 30 pins on iPhone 4... But even with the flimsy design now I'm getting minimum of a year from the apple chargers now due to minding how fragile they are. I have a perfectly working 30 pin for my iPad 3 going on 2 years now.
Once you are aware of their fragility... And paying yourself for the replacements (a concern most teenagers don't have) then being more careful will greatly increase the lifespan of the chargers.

But I'm still in agreement that Apple can and should be providing much sturdier cables to go with devices that don't give much change out of €1000

TimeToShine

GrayFox208 wrote: »

Any of my micro usb cables stop connecting properly after a few weeks.

Really? My experience has been the exact opposite! I have plenty which have been thrown around for years that all still work.

New Ice Age

Never had a charger of any kind fail - Android + USB, Apple Lightening connector or magsafe. Look after them and they'll be fine. Like anything.

30 of them? Crazy. There's no question they're being mistreated if you've gone through that many.

Wabbit Ears

New Ice Age wrote: »

30 of them? Crazy. There's no question they're being mistreated if you've gone through that many.

nope, its deffo all the leads by numerous manufacturers and not the OP.

Definatly. Sure, what other possible explanation would there be?

If only there were some sort of common denominator in all this....

Doodah7

Why are your cables taking a battering?? Plug carefully into device. Put down decice. Remove carefully from device when charged. In six years if iphone ownership, I've never had to replace Apple cables or many others fir that matter.

Advise your children how to insert and remove cables properly. Your wallet will thank you and they will have learned a life skill!!

CJmasgrande

There are 5 iOS devices in my home so
It took 2 years to buy 30 cables.

I have pleaded with my two teenage sons several times to be careful. I think part of reason is other kids coming and going are borrowing our chargers while in the house.

Bottom line is for such expensive gadgets the bloody cables are an absolute joke.
This issue I've had enough.

I'm so furious with Apple. I wish I could tell them clearly what I think of the scam they have going on their cables. Absolute joke it is.

I've had two official Lightning cables for the last 2 years. Both are still perfect. Never had a micro USB fail on me either.

kbell

CJmasgrande wrote: »

Bottom line is for such expensive gadgets the bloody cables are an absolute joke.
This issue I've had enough.

I'm so furious with Apple. I wish I could tell them clearly what I think of the scam they have going on their cables. Absolute joke it is.

How is it a "scam" that no one in your house seems to be able to look after a charging cable?
They're not towing ropes,they're delicate charging cables and such should be treated with the care they deserve.

CJmasgrande

It's a scam on apples part because they are designed not to be tough and durable.

The least bit of handling and they fail.

Then Apple charge crazy money for another. Unlike android enough said.

Creamy Goodness

Had one lightning cable fray on me. But it was my bag cable and was treated like a doormat. A bit of sugru on it and it was fine. any others I just pull from the connector rather than the cable and they've been fine.

Even reached my nephews and niece this trick (age range 7-13) and have yet to get a frayed cable from them either.

Annie_Oakes

I picked up some of the lightning cables in Tiger a few days ago. They're braided and look like they'll have a long life.

€4 for a 3-metre cable! Bargain.

kbell

I've been using Iphones since the the 3GS,I currently have a 6,and a 5c and iPad mini for work, all are constantly being charged both in my house and in my van and I've never once broken a cable.

GrayFox208

CJmasgrande wrote: »

It's a scam on apples part because they are designed not to be tough and durable.

The least bit of handling and they fail.

Then Apple charge crazy money for another. Unlike android enough said.

So that's what it is you just want to have a moan about Apple. You or your children are mistreating the cables. If you tossed around the iPad and it broke would you blame Apple for poor durability? It's just cable. Would you like them to make it out of wood so it's more durable for you?

my friend

CJmasgrande wrote: »

There are 5 iOS devices in my home so
It took 2 years to buy 30 cables.

I have pleaded with my two teenage sons several times to be careful. I think part of reason is other kids coming and going are borrowing our chargers while in the house.

If others are coming and going it would be my suspicion that they're swapping out their battered cables for your snazzy oem cables

Your issues may not lie with Apple but the cunning of others

CJmasgrande

I just noticed on the Apple Ireland Store the lightening cable gets a miserable rating of 1 star out of 5.

The vast majority of reviews too are extremely negative. Enough said

Curb Your Enthusiasm

GrayFox208 wrote: »

Any of my micro usb cables stop connecting properly after a few weeks.

Sorry mate, but even the cheapest MicroUSB cables can take some battering before they give in. Apple just want your money. Also, the infuriating 'accessory not supported' message would drive you nuts.

GrayFox208

Techmaster wrote: »

Sorry mate, but even the cheapest MicroUSB cables can take some battering before they give in. Apple just want your money. Also, the infuriating 'accessory not supported' message would drive you nuts.

A company wants money? Imagine.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

GrayFox208 wrote: »

A company wants money? Imagine.

That's not the point I was making. Their cables are of very poor quality, and cost upwards of €15 to €20, compared to €1 micro USB cables.

As mentioned already, look at the reviews on Apple's own site; http://www.apple.com/ie/shop/product/MD818ZM/A/lightning-to-usb-cable-1m?fnode=ef89b351efb2e3f8ac01b0538c8ad9a999c77006ad237b4451ac6bda57bb17c8ef8727f54e3c1034acfd3fd4ebedee71a5cd83dd1cf422bd41a2e507ec028621ceb120a38dfc6dbfb4550d875ac4fa0e0d87614743eb5ff83baa5c36b69cb949af5a5976ba10859787f2effdf025c652

Really not good enough.

GrayFox208

Techmaster wrote: »

That's not the point I was making. Their cables are of very poor quality, and cost upwards of €15 to €20, compared to €1 micro USB cables.

I've had 3 generations of iPhones and 2 iPads never have I replaced a cable.

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab S and the charging cable was broken within a week.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

GrayFox208 wrote: »

I've had 3 generations of iPhones and 2 iPads never have I replaced a cable.

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab S and the charging cable was broken within a week.

Must have been faulty or else you were very unlucky, as Samsung's own cables and chargers are known to be very sturdy and well-built.

Either way, it's €1 to replace them, and no hassle with messages saying it isn't supported.

I'm surprised you bought an Android device, you seem to adore Apple.

GrayFox208

Techmaster wrote: »

Must have been faulty or else you were very unlucky, as Samsung's own cables and chargers are known to be very sturdy and well-built.

Either way, it's €1 to replace them, and no hassle with messages saying it isn't supported.

I'm surprised you bought an Android device, you seem to adore Apple.

Why because my cables haven't broken?

Curb Your Enthusiasm

GrayFox208 wrote: »

Why because my cables haven't broken?

Their cables have been universally panned by both critics and consumers alike. Enough said really. They are not durable enough for everyday use, unless you baby them of course. Cables should be able to be thrown into a bag for college or work, but these just break much too easily.

GrayFox208

Techmaster wrote: »

Their cables have been universally panned by both critics and consumers alike. Enough said really. They are not durable enough for everyday use, unless you baby them of course. Cables should be able to be thrown into a bag for college or work, but these just break much too easily.

Well maybe my ones are magic? Well I'm just saying I use them everyday and they don't break.

ShoulderChip

CJmasgrande wrote: »

I just noticed on the Apple Ireland Store the lightening cable gets a miserable rating of 1 star out of 5.

The vast majority of reviews too are extremely negative. Enough said

if Enough has been said, why did you raise a thread on the topic?

GrayFox208

ShoulderChip wrote: »

if Enough has been said, why did you raise a thread on the topic?

People love to moan about Apple.

él statutorio

Buy some Sugru and use it to reinforce the ends of the cables where they break.

They'll last forever this way.

TimeToShine

There seems to be a serious problem in this forum whereby anyone complaining about Apple gets lambasted beyond measure. OP is not some troll, he has plenty of Apple devices and has every right to complain if he thinks the lightning cables are sub-standard.

Some of the petty insults are a bit uncalled for IMO. Regardless of whether the evidence is anecdotal or not anyone but the most blinded fanboy should clearly see that Apple's charging cables are either a) over-priced or b) poorly built. 30 euro a pop is steep, no question about it - so you'd expect something with as much longevity as the Samsung equivalent.

GrayFox208

TimeToShine wrote: »

There seems to be a serious problem in this forum whereby anyone complaining about Apple gets lambasted beyond measure. OP is not some troll, he has plenty of Apple devices and has every right to complain if he thinks the lightning cables are sub-standard.

Some of the petty insults are a bit uncalled for IMO. Regardless of whether the evidence is anecdotal or not anyone but the most blinded fanboy should clearly see that Apple's charging cables are either a) over-priced or b) poorly built. 30 euro a pop is steep, no question about it - so you'd expect something with as much longevity as the Samsung equivalent.

And complaining here will do what? Do apples engineers read this forum?

ozmo

Oafley Jones wrote: »

Why aren't you returning them to Apple? I find them fairly poor to be honest as well. Massively overly complicated design.

I've heard in several places Apple will take them back eg - but in the abstinence of an Apple Store in Ireland (Compub and PC world are just re-sellers), where would you go to bring them back?

I have never broken one - but I have two broken ones belonging to other family members I wouldn't mind getting a replacement for them.

long_b

In my experience

Cheap 3rd party Lightening cables last days
Apple cables last a good lot longer

OP, the only long term solution I've found is to buy an official Lightening to Micro USB adapter. Whack this pretty sturdy but tiny yoke on the end of a regular USB cable and you're good to go.

Ciderswigger

Annie_Oakes wrote: »

I picked up some of the lightning cables in Tiger a few days ago. They're braided and look like they'll have a long life.

€4 for a 3-metre cable! Bargain.

I bought one of those cables for my niece and myself about 6 weeks ago. Was delighted with it but in the past few weeks it's been acting up - the cable has to be positioned just so before it will charge. Her one is a bit contrary too. Will bounce from charging to not charging a few times but for 4 quid, it will do.

endacl

Senecio wrote: »

I've never had had an Apple cable fail, never. They must be being abused.

Indeed. Bet they yank them out by the cable, rather than pull from the connector.

I've been using the same cable for my 80g Classic for about 7 years now. Good as new.

Your problem isn't the cables, OP. It's the teenagers. Make them buy their own cables. They'll soon stop breaking them.

Annie_Oakes

Ciderswigger wrote: »

I bought one of those cables for my niece and myself about 6 weeks ago. Was delighted with it but in the past few weeks it's been acting up - the cable has to be positioned just so before it will charge. Her one is a bit contrary too. Will bounce from charging to not charging a few times but for 4 quid, it will do.

Thanks for the heads-up, it's early days with mine so will keep an eye on it.

dodzy

Never had one fail, either 30 pin or lightening. Several in my house in use at any given time. 30 failing is a joke. Mishandling has to be a huge factor here.

The only gripe I would have is the actual solid piece that you would typically handle in order to connect / disconnect to the device is very small and affords less grip than a solid alternative such as a pqi lightening cable. Just seems more robust, and has more real estate to get your thumb & forefinger around than the OEM offering.

Creamy Goodness

TimeToShine wrote: »

There seems to be a serious problem in this forum whereby anyone complaining about Apple gets lambasted beyond measure. OP is not some troll, he has plenty of Apple devices and has every right to complain if he thinks the lightning cables are sub-standard.

Some of the petty insults are a bit uncalled for IMO. Regardless of whether the evidence is anecdotal or not anyone but the most blinded fanboy should clearly see that Apple's charging cables are either a) over-priced or b) poorly built. 30 euro a pop is steep, no question about it - so you'd expect something with as much longevity as the Samsung equivalent.

Since when have lightning cables been 30 a pop?

Savage Tyrant

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

Since when have lightning cables been 30 a pop?

How much are they? The official ones?