Apple products don’t come cheap. For this reason, there are a number of fakes available on the market, including iPhone chargers. Despite the copies being practically identical to the original models, there are ways to know if the accessory was actually manufactured or certified by the brand. Below, I’ll show you some tips to make it easier to identify and avoid buying a fake item.
Check packaging and inscriptions
Apple-certified chargers carry the company’s logo on the body and, on the packaging, display the “Made for iPhone” seal. There are currently two versions of the symbol, and some models may have the older one:
The Lightning cable is also worth keeping an eye out for, as the original bears the inscription “Designed by Apple in California”, followed by a 12-digit serial number. If it is imported, you will find the engraving “Assembled in China” or “Assembled in Vietnam”.
Check the Lightning Connector
The Lightning connector can also help you spot a fake charger. According to Apple, counterfeit cables have a more than one-piece fit, a rough or inconsistent finish, and square or bent contact pins. On the other hand, an original model is built in a single piece, and has a rounded shape and gold or silver pins.
In addition, this type of accessory also has a difference in thickness between the plastic tip and the plug, while the original Apple connector is consistent in width and length. The original still has a gray/metallic insert, but the fake one is white or black.
Check the USB connector
Looking at the UBS connector, you can also detect a fake charger. Apple reveals that counterfeit cables deliver several inconsistencies in the construction of this connection pattern. On parallel models, the USB latches have square tabs and uneven spacing. The internal connectors have a silver coating and there are slots or a retaining piece on the surface of the USB.
The situation completely changes when we talk about the original cables. On the model sold or certified by Apple, the USB latches are trapezoidal and are evenly spaced from the edge. In addition, the internal contacts are gold-plated and the USB surface is completely smooth.
Okay, now you know some tips that can help you know if the iPhone charger is original.
